painful

adjective

pain·​ful ˈpān-fəl 

painfuller ˈpān-fə-lər  ; painfullest

1

a

: feeling or giving pain

a painful injury

b

: irksome, annoying

2

: requiring effort or exertion

a long painful trip

3

archaic : careful, diligent

painfully

ˈpān-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

painfulness

ˈpān-fəl-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• aching
• achy
• afflictive
• hurting
• nasty
• sore

Examples of painful in a Sentence

I got a painful sunburn.

We can't ignore our country's painful history of slavery.

His questions brought up a lot of painful memories.

It was painful to watch.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is especially painful for individuals who are approaching Medicare eligibility, as a conversion might result in substantially higher premiums for Medicare Part B and Part D prescription coverage. —Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025

But amidst this painful reality, a story rooted in joy, agency, and radical self-determination is emerging. —Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025

Country music star Thomas Rhett is recovering after a painful fall that left him needing medical attention and a wheelchair. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 16 Apr. 2025

In relational contexts, this may show up as emotional withdrawal, not due to a lack of interest but out of fear that any attempt to reconnect or try again will lead to the same painful result. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing painful

• painful to the touch

Rhymes for painful

• gainful
• disdainful

Kids Definition

painful

adjective

pain·​ful ˈpān-fəl 

: feeling or giving pain

painfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb

painfulness

-fəl-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

painful

adjective

pain·​ful ˈpān-fəl 

painfuller -fə-lər  ; painfullest

: feeling or giving pain

painfully

-f(ə-)lē 

adverb