The phrase "real hardship" refers to a difficult situation or problem that is truly challenging and causes significant suffering or burden. Full definition
As study after study has shown, changes to benefits have caused real hardship for society's most vulnerable people. (politics.co.uk)
My heart goes out to every one of the valued employees and their own families who will be experiencing real hardship and pain as a result of today's layoffs. (nystateofpolitics.com)
His opposition stemmed partly from the valid argument that they impose real hardship on Iranians, but also from the very dubious claim that they make war more likely, and from the legally ridiculous assertion that western use of financial tools to block oil sales «is a financial blockade, and blockades are acts of war.» (rabett.blogspot.ru)