noun
trials and tribulations; hardships and struggles
A somewhat formal or literary term for enduring various difficulties and adversities. Often used in set phrases or solemn contexts.
彼は艱難苦労の末に成功を収めた。
He achieved success after many trials and tribulations.
人生には艱難苦労がつきものだ。
Hardships and struggles are a part of life.
A yojijukugo (four-character compound) combining 艱難 (hardships) and 苦労 (toil, troubles). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of pairing synonymous terms for emphasis.