painful

pain·ful

adj \ˈpān-fəl\

pain·ful·ler\-fə-lər\pain·ful·lest

Definition of PAINFUL

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

— pain·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb

— pain·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of PAINFUL

1. I got a painful sunburn.
2. We can't ignore our country's painful history of slavery.
3. His questions brought up a lot of painful memories.
4. It was painful to watch.

First Known Use of PAINFUL

14th century

Related to PAINFUL

Synonyms: aching, achy, afflictive, hurting, nasty, sore

Antonyms: indolent, painless

Related Words: agonizing, excruciating, torturous; damaging, deleterious, detrimental, harmful, hurtful, injurious, noxious, pernicious; raw, tender; bleeding, burning, chafing, cramping, festering; itching, nagging, pinching, pricking, prickling, smarting, stinging; inflamed (also enflamed), swollen; grievous, severe, threatening, wounding

Near Antonyms: curative, healing, helping, remedial

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with PAINFUL

baneful, gainful