Affliction (noun)

1. A state of pain, distress, or suffering.
2. A disease or disorder.
3. A cause of persistent suffering or distress.

Origin:

Middle english afflictioun, from old french afliction, from latin afflictiō, from afflictus, past participle of affligere ("to cast down, strike down"), from ad- ("to") + fligere ("to strike").

Examples:

1. Cancer is a terrible affliction that affects millions of people every year.
2. Poverty is an affliction that affects countless individuals across the world.
3. The loss of a loved one is an affliction that is difficult to bear.
4. Mental illness is a common affliction that can be debilitating.
5. Chronic pain is a debilitating affliction that can limit one's quality of life.