painful
pain·ful
adj \ˈpān-fəl\pain·ful·ler\-fə-lər\pain·ful·lest
Definition of PAINFUL
2
: requiring effort or exertion <a long painful trip>
— pain·ful·ly \-f(ə-)lē\ adverb
— pain·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun
Examples of PAINFUL
- 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.
First Known Use of PAINFUL
14th century
Related to PAINFUL
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
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