hurt for

verb

hurt for; hurting for; hurts for
US, informal
1
: to lack (something needed)
Those children are hurting for attention.
The company is hurting for money right now.
2
: to have sympathy or pity for (someone)
I hurt for those poor people.

Examples of hurt for in a Sentence

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.
Caldwell also is hurting for food options, according to Council Member Diana Register, and could benefit from new commercial development at Silverleaf. Noah Daly may 7, Idaho Statesman, 7 May 2026 But Saturday’s loss will hurt for a while, with Messi delivering a message to the team following the painful result. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 May 2026 This sting of this loss will hurt for a while, and for so many reasons. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Although the Maldives isn't exactly hurting for luxury properties, Taj's Exotica Resort and Spa still manages to set itself apart from the pack. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 My heart hurts for Brandon, Zoe, and Kimber. Francie Ebert, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026 In reply, Rohit Sharma retired hurt for 19 off 13 balls. ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026 Family drama, regardless of the cause, can hurt for countless reasons. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026 Without snow in the mountains, the places that depend on the West’s rivers will hurt for water. Rebecca Boyle, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hurt for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurt%20for. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster