trying period
noun phraseUK /ˈtraɪ.ɪŋ ˈpɪə.ri.əd/
US /ˈtraɪ.ɪŋ ˈpɪr.i.əd/
A trying period is a hard time when things are difficult.
The family went through a trying period after moving to a new city.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A period that tests someone's patience or strength.
Waiting for the test results was a trying period for everyone.
3. A stretch of time full of problems or troubles.
The company survived a trying period of low sales.
4. A time that is hard to get through.
Her first year at college was a trying period, but she made friends.