ordeal
noun
or·deal
ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l 
ˈȯr-ˌdē(-ə)l
1
: a primitive means used to determine guilt or innocence by submitting the accused to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under supernatural control
ordeal by fire
ordeal by water
2
: a severe trial or experience
Being trapped in an elevator was a harrowing ordeal for the shoppers.
Examples of ordeal in a Sentence
the hikers were finally rescued after a three-day ordeal in the wilderness
Recent Examples on the Web
While some perceived my ordeal as an outcome of the principles of supply and demand, with property owners making rational choices to maximize profits, the broader housing crisis illustrates the consequences of wealth concentrated in the hands of a few.
—
Gabriela Sandoval, The Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2024
Kach’s harrowing ordeal is now the focus of Lifetime’s upcoming Ripped from the Headlines movie, The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story, starring Robert Baker and Jordyn Ashley Olson.
—Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
The Justice Department admitted errors in the FISA applications for surveillance on Page, however the ordeal didn't include Section 702 but rather another provision of the law.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024
The obviousness of the Sandfords’ obstacle-course ordeal comes across as punishment.
—Armond White, National Review, 10 Apr. 2024
Morgan, who said her family cannot afford to pay the ticket, said the entire ordeal has been stressful and questioned why the punishment for overdue library books was so strict.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 3 Apr. 2024
Getting to Globe Life Field and finding parking can be an ordeal.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2024
Stripped, kicked and recorded on Preston’s phone throughout the ordeal, Jules is left with nothing.
—Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2024
Bringing Fisker’s concept to market was the next ordeal.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 27 Mar. 2024
Gabriela Sandoval, The Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2024
Kach’s harrowing ordeal is now the focus of Lifetime’s upcoming Ripped from the Headlines movie, The Girl Locked Upstairs: The Tanya Kach Story, starring Robert Baker and Jordyn Ashley Olson.
—Kc Baker, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024
The Justice Department admitted errors in the FISA applications for surveillance on Page, however the ordeal didn't include Section 702 but rather another provision of the law.
—Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024
The obviousness of the Sandfords’ obstacle-course ordeal comes across as punishment.
—Armond White, National Review, 10 Apr. 2024
Morgan, who said her family cannot afford to pay the ticket, said the entire ordeal has been stressful and questioned why the punishment for overdue library books was so strict.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 3 Apr. 2024
Getting to Globe Life Field and finding parking can be an ordeal.
—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2024
Stripped, kicked and recorded on Preston’s phone throughout the ordeal, Jules is left with nothing.
—Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2024
Bringing Fisker’s concept to market was the next ordeal.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 27 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ordeal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near ordeal
Cite this Entry
“Ordeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ordeal. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ordeal
noun
or·deal
ȯr-ˈdē(-ə)l
1
: a method of deciding guilt or innocence by making the accused person take dangerous or painful tests
ordeal by fire
2
: a severe test or experience
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