painful

[peyn-fuhl] / ˈpeɪn fəl /

ADJECTIVE

physically or mentally agonizing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agonizing arduous awful difficult dire distasteful distressing excruciating hard harrowing heart-wrenching hurtful severe tedious terrible troublesome uncomfortable unpleasant

WEAK

aching afflictive biting burning caustic disagreeable dreadful extreme extremely bad grievous hurting inflamed irritated laborious piercing raw saddening sensitive sharp smarting sore stinging tender throbbing tormenting trying vexatious

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agreeable calm easy facile friendly good great helpful mild nice pleasant pleasing simple wonderful

WEAK

delightful painless

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.

Roos, the former options market maker, believes the latest leg higher for stocks could ultimately give way to a painful pullback as investors take profits and positioning shifts.

From MarketWatch • May 17, 2026

Germany's industrial decline is taking a painful toll on communities that have long relied on local manufacturing titans for jobs, prosperity and a sense of a secure future.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

That clutch hitting helped the Bruins avoid a painful loss to open postseason play.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

I asked a minister what would happen if the so-called King of the North didn't win - their answer was best described as a painful sigh.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

It had bulges and growths on it, which made it viciously painful to press his back against, but it gave him handholds.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

painful

Example Sentences

Related Words