painless

adjective

pain·​less ˈpān-ləs 

1

: not causing or accompanied by physical pain : not painful

a painless skin growth

painless medical procedures

… the medical exam may include an electrocardiogram, or EKG. This noninvasive test is a painless procedure that measures your heart's activity.

—Sarah Shelton

The relatively painless injections are intended to provide temporary relief for arthritic pain and stiffness.

—Larry Katzenstein

2

: not difficult : not causing or involving complications or emotional distress

There's an easy way to apply for federal aid in the form of grants and student loans: Just fill out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's a fairly painless process, and you can even do it online.

—Maurie Backman

a quick and painless solution

painlessly adverb

painlessness noun

Synonyms

• cheap
• downhill
• easy
• effortless
• facile
• fluent
• fluid
• hands-down
• light
• ready
• royal
• simple
• smooth
• snap
• soft

Examples of painless in a Sentence

getting paid to watch and review movies seems like a painless way to earn a living

Recent Examples on the Web

Most are pretty painless and heal up quickly on their own. —Alexander Cheves, Them., 16 May 2025

Cancer isn’t known for being a fast, painless way to go.... —Air Mail, 10 May 2025

Make approvals swift, clear and painless, even if your internal processes are extensive. —Sal Rehmetullah, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

If these urine biomarkers live up to their promise in future studies, earlier and more accurate prostate cancer screening could soon be as simple — and painless — as a trip to the bathroom. —Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for painless

• brainless
• rainless
• stainless

Medical Definition

painless

adjective

pain·​less ˈpān-ləs 

1

: not experiencing pain

2

: not causing pain : not accompanied by pain : not painful

painless surgery

painlessly adverb