tribulation
noun
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IT's Not Hard to Learn About Tribulation
It would be an understatement to say that undergoing trials and tribulations is a drag, but the origins of the word tribulation have much to do with literal dragging. Tribulation comes (via Anglo-French) from the Latin noun tribulum, which refers to an ancient tool that separates grain seed from the rest of the plant when it is dragged over a harvest. If one imagines such a thresher working on a human being—a harrowing thought, indeed—the connection to tribulation’s present meaning is understandable. These days, tribulation is commonly used as a plural noun and paired with trials to refer to any kind of drawn-out struggle, though lovers of John Milton's famous 17th century epic poem Paradise Lost may recognize it, unpaired, from a passage describing life as "Tri'd in sharp tribulation, and refin'd / By Faith and faithful works."
Examples of tribulation in a Sentence
Sean Gregory, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
This is a candid memoir of vulnerability and courage, humility and purpose, mistakes and learning—a singular tale of the trials, tribulations, and hope to be found in a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025
While the series is told mainly through Cameron’s point of view, the story is fleshed out by the individual tribulations of his fellow recruits.
—Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2025
The back yard brimmed with raucous laughter and talk of high-school sporting successes and the tribulations of the Dallas Cowboys.
—David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tribulation
Cite this Entry
“Tribulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribulation. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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tribulation
noun
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