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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.

"Negotiations are very complicated, sensitive...to reach consensus all sides will have to make painful compromises and concessions," the source added.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Cafe owner Tiffany McKay said the rising cost is forcing business owners like her to make some "extremely painful" decisions.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

Watching the foursome ahead of me putt out, one, then another, each one putting and marking, is so painful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“It’s a very painful and hard thing to do,” Kanekar said of deploying FDEs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

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

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila