Definitions

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.

The firm also acknowledged how a wrong-way bet on an expected decline or climb in SpaceX shares risks being painful for traders.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Nasdaq Composite futures gained 0.9% after a painful 2% drop on Wednesday.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

But in Japan and South Korea he was able to rekindle flashes of brilliance, scoring eight times including twice in the final against Germany to banish the painful memories of Paris.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

The circumstances were eerily similar — and equally painful.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

“I know, Lizzie. I can see how painful it is when you can’t be straightforward.”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

painful

Example Sentences

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