Use it where you might expect understanding or support from others due to bad circumstances.

Empathy Expected

It expresses a negative outcome that couldn't be predicted or controlled.

Negative Outcome

The phrase is not very formal; more suitable for casual conversation.

It can be used to show a small amount of sympathy, but it's not very empathetic.

Be careful; it can sometimes be taken as sarcasm, depending on your tone.

More casual than formal, suitable for friends rather than professional scenarios.

Refers to constant or repeated difficulties, not just a one-time event.

It carries the idea of someone enduring over time, not just facing a single instance.

Often used to describe historical periods where life was especially difficult.