painful

adjective

pain·​ful ˈpān-fəl How to pronounce painful (audio)
painfuller ˈpān-fə-lər How to pronounce painful (audio) ; painfullest
Synonyms of painfulnext
1
a
: feeling or giving pain
a painful injury
b
: irksome, annoying
2
: requiring effort or exertion
a long painful trip
3
archaic : careful, diligent
painfully
ˈpān-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce painful (audio)
adverb
painfulness
ˈpān-fəl-nəs How to pronounce painful (audio)
noun

Synonyms of painful

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Examples of painful in a Sentence

I got a painful sunburn. We can't ignore our country's painful history of slavery. His questions brought up a lot of painful memories. It was painful to watch.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Phillies entered the game looking to tie up its series after a disappointing loss on Friday, but instead watched a late lead disappear before suffering a painful extra-inning defeat. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 That disruption could be particularly painful without greater investment in training workers in career paths less vulnerable to automation, such as in the skilled trades. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026 Purdy missed eight regular season games last season after suffering a painful turf toe injury Week 1. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 But Thanksgiving is also a time that's incredibly painful for many people in our communities. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for painful

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of painful was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing painful

Rhymes for painful

See All Rhymes for painful

Browse Nearby Words

pained
painful
painful to the touch
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Cite this Entry

“Painful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painful. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

painful

adjective
pain·​ful ˈpān-fəl How to pronounce painful (audio)
: feeling or giving pain
painfully
-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce painful (audio)
adverb
painfulness
-fəl-nəs How to pronounce painful (audio)
noun

Medical Definition

painful

adjective
pain·​ful ˈpān-fəl How to pronounce painful (audio)
painfuller -fə-lər How to pronounce painful (audio) ; painfullest
: feeling or giving pain
painfully
-f(ə-)lē How to pronounce painful (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on painful

Nglish: Translation of painful for Spanish Speakers

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