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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.

Foreclosures are going to be painful for people losing their homes, and possibly for their neighbors too.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Higher food prices will be especially painful in developing countries across Africa and Latin America, even if the IMF itself stands ready with loans to cushion the blows.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Yet the single blemish on his resume is eternally painful to Dodgers fans.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Andrew Keshner explains how home buyers might be in for painful surprises.

From MarketWatch • May 1, 2026

Dad has to remember why he loves this place, not the painful parts.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila