hurt feelings
plural noun
: unhappiness or sadness caused by someone's words or actions
His behavior at the party caused a lot of hurt feelings.
Examples of hurt feelings in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Talking it through helps alleviate hurt feelings.
—
Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
Resentment can build between adults, leading to hurt feelings all around, according to Clarkin.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Feb. 2026
For the rest of us, being openhearted and trusting may sometimes lead to hurt feelings, which can be unpleasant.
—Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Haslam can throw more money at him to soothe any hurt feelings because that’s how the Browns typically problem-solve, but none of this is fair to Monken, who turns 60 in a few days and has waited his entire life for this opportunity.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hurt feelings
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Eric Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
Resentment can build between adults, leading to hurt feelings all around, according to Clarkin.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 21 Feb. 2026
For the rest of us, being openhearted and trusting may sometimes lead to hurt feelings, which can be unpleasant.
—Barton Goldsmith, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Haslam can throw more money at him to soothe any hurt feelings because that’s how the Browns typically problem-solve, but none of this is fair to Monken, who turns 60 in a few days and has waited his entire life for this opportunity.
—Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hurt feelings
Cite this Entry
“Hurt feelings.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurt%20feelings. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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