purgatory
noun/ˈpɜrɡəˌtɔri/
Frequency rank: #11,788 most common English word
Meaning
a state or place of temporary suffering or waiting, often used figuratively to describe a miserable in-between situation.

Example sentence
After months of waiting for the visa decision, he felt as though he was living in purgatory.
Synonyms & related words
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 11,701–11,800
- plundergoods stolen by force; to rob or loot by force
- postmanA person whose job is to collect and deliver mail.
- privatisationthe process of transferring a business or industry from public (government) ownership to private ownership.
- pseudonyma fictitious name used by a person, especially an author, instead of their real name.
- pullmanA type of railroad sleeping car or a large suitcase, named after its inventor George Pullman.
- rationalitythe quality of being based on reason and logic rather than emotion.
- rebuketo express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behavior.
- rebuttala reply that contradicts or disproves an opposing argument.
- relievera pitcher who replaces the starting pitcher during a baseball game; also, something or someone that reduces stress or pain.
- retaliateto do something harmful to someone because they have harmed you first; to get revenge.