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

In December 2019, Ljungberg was interim manager for a game against City that was bitterly painful for Arsenal. —Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025

Expensive avocados, just in time for the Super Bowl For American consumers still exasperated by high grocery prices, a trade war with Canada and Mexico could be painful. —Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025

Throughout history, every time something’s been underestimated, the consequences have been tragic and painful. —Gianmaria Tammaro, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2025

While promoting his new movie Dog Man on the Friday, Jan. 31 episode Today, Davidson opened up about the incredibly painful removal process. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025

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