hurtful

adjective

hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
: causing injury, detriment, or suffering : damaging
hurtfully adverb
hurtfulness noun

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
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.
Sensing his son's remorse for his hurtful words, dad was then able to have what seemed to be a helpful conversation with him about consent, accountability, and what to do when teasing crosses the line. Christian Dashiell, Parents, 24 Apr. 2025 But returning to someone hurtful or manipulative can reinforce a harmful dynamic. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 Begin apologizing profusely to her and your son for losing your temper and saying something so hurtful. Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2025 The Patriots would be much less likely to prioritize offense with the fourth pick in the draft and would make missing out on Travis Hunter less hurtful. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hurtful

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hurtful was in 1526

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Cite this Entry

“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurtful. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

hurtful

adjective
hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
: causing injury or suffering : damaging
hurtfully adverb
hurtfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hurtful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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