hurtful

adjective

hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl 

: causing injury, detriment, or suffering : damaging

hurtfully

ˈhərt-fə-lē 

adverb

hurtfulness noun

Synonyms of hurtful

• harmful
• detrimental
• damaging
• dangerous
• adverse

Examples of hurtful in a Sentence

She can't forgive him for the hurtful things he said.

Their comments were really hurtful to me.

Recent Examples on the Web

Through her blue eye/brown eye exercise, Elliott found a way to expose the arbitrary nature of racial bias and how hurtful such discrimination is for people who experience it. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2026

In an era when consumers don’t hesitate to post even hurtful comments, says Saunders, Cohen knows how to operate. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Finally, while frustrated by his years of struggle and especially the hurtful impact that this impasse has had on the lives of millions of Dreamers, Durbin projects confidence that this cause will prevail. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

There has never been any conflict or circumstance that would initiate such a hurtful and shocking decision. — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hurtful

adjective

hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl 

: causing injury or suffering : damaging

hurtfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

hurtfulness noun