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

Alongside a loss of voice, this cancer can also cause painful swallowing, sore throat, ear pain, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.8 Neurological Problems Problems with the parts of the brain or nerves that regulate vocal cords can cause a type of aphonia called neurogenic aphonia. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 Sep. 2024

In this week’s Power Book II: Ghost, a deeply painful loss leads to self-reflection, healing and inner peace… just kidding! —Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 13 Sep. 2024

Securing equipment financing doesn’t have to be a slow and painful experience. —Chris Scharman, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024

These adjustments prevent the occurrence of the bends—painful and dangerous nitrogen bubbles, which form in the bloodstream and tissues of the astronauts. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 12 Sep. 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