pained

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.

But since the pits closed almost four decades ago, residents describe a slow and pained decline as people struggled to get well-paid, stable employment.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

"His visit will lift the spirits of a pained community," said Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the community's peak body.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

She said she is pained by the persistent kidnappings.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

He has a few moments that play so close to comedy — say, whining to be let into the bathroom — that you wish the movie would do more to encourage our pained, guttural laughs.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

Lillian asked, as though pained to the point of numbness just to have to ask the question.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy