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

After all, a ring that is too big can easily slip off, while a ring that’s too small can be painful. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024

Other ministers told their flocks that God was present even in painful, traumatic moments. —Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024

Yes, there had been a chance for Chelsea to go top of the Premier League with a win, a milestone that would have been welcomed by majority owners Clearlake Capital after a painful two and a half years since the end of the Roman Abramovich era. —Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024

Magnesium deficiency is commonly linked to nocturnal leg cramps or painful muscle spasms during sleep. —Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing painful

• painful to the touch

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