A "hardship withdrawal" refers to taking money out of a savings or investment account before you normally would, typically due to a difficult financial situation or emergency circumstances. Full definition
Some defined contribution plans allow plan participants to take hardship withdrawals from their plans based on financial needs, such as medical or tuition bills or funeral expenses. (quotacy.com)
Not all retirement plans allow for hardship withdrawals, and there are often secondary consequences such as losing the ability to continue making contributions. (guidantfinancial.com)
In - service withdrawals can be made in the form of hardship withdrawals if the plan allows it. (investopedia.com)