be painful

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If a bill would be painful but manageable, paying out of pocket may be the savvier move in the long run.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

“That is the honest answer and that’s going to be painful and difficult. But we’ll get it done,” Musk said on the earnings call.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

This can be painful and may cause redness and swelling.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

In a rare interview with a Hungarian weekly in 2017, Kurtag confided that composing can sometimes be "painful".

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

Michael draws in a wheeze of ice-cold air that must be painful.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman