(n.) That which occasions distress, trouble, or vexation; severe affliction.

adverse circumstances adversity affliction aggravation annoyance blight bummer calvary care cross crucible curse difficulties difficulty downer fiery ordeal hard knocks hard life hard lot hardcase hardship irritation oppression ordeal persecution plight predicament pressure rigor sea of troubles stress stress of life trial trials and tribulations trouble troubles vale of tears vicissitude visitation