Tribulation (noun)

1. A cause of great trouble or suffering.
2. A trying experience.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin tribulatio(n-), from tribulare "press, oppress" (see tribulate).

Examples:

1. The tribulations of being a single parent.
2. The tribulations of living in a war-torn country.
3. He had been through many tribulations in his life.
4. The tribulations of the long voyage.
5. It was a time of great tribulation for the country.