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Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Using a blackhead removal tool should never be painful, so use light pressure and push the clogged pore upward, Paul explains.
—
Katie Intner, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Feb. 2023
The ransoms, even small ones, are painful in a country where more than 60 percent of the population lives in poverty.
—Elian Peltier, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2023
Rueck told of a situation in 2015, when Oregon State sustained a painful loss to Gonzaga at home during the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
—oregonlive, 4 Feb. 2023
This is a painful loss for anyone who loves the guitar, especially since his final years proved that Verlaine never lost a stroke as as a virtuoso, right up to the end.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2023
Several big brands dealt with a glut of merchandise in late 2022, forcing them to launch holiday sales early or grapple with painful losses.
—Diti Kohli, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Jan. 2023
The attack is meant to reassure the Russian people as its troops suffer painful battlefield losses, according to Ukraine’s leader.
—Bloomberg.com, 3 Jan. 2023
Using tape can also lead to painful loss of facial hair or damage soft tissue around the mouth.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 28 Dec. 2022
After a painful loss, Michael is left reeling and unsure of how to move forward.
—Mariette Williams, Essence, 27 Dec. 2022
See More
Katie Intner, Harper's BAZAAR, 28 Feb. 2023
The ransoms, even small ones, are painful in a country where more than 60 percent of the population lives in poverty.
—Elian Peltier, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2023
Rueck told of a situation in 2015, when Oregon State sustained a painful loss to Gonzaga at home during the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
—oregonlive, 4 Feb. 2023
This is a painful loss for anyone who loves the guitar, especially since his final years proved that Verlaine never lost a stroke as as a virtuoso, right up to the end.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 Jan. 2023
Several big brands dealt with a glut of merchandise in late 2022, forcing them to launch holiday sales early or grapple with painful losses.
—Diti Kohli, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Jan. 2023
The attack is meant to reassure the Russian people as its troops suffer painful battlefield losses, according to Ukraine’s leader.
—Bloomberg.com, 3 Jan. 2023
Using tape can also lead to painful loss of facial hair or damage soft tissue around the mouth.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 28 Dec. 2022
After a painful loss, Michael is left reeling and unsure of how to move forward.
—Mariette Williams, Essence, 27 Dec. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'painful.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of painful was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing painful
Dictionary Entries Near painful
Cite this Entry
“Painful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/painful. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.
Kids Definition
More from Merriam-Webster on painful
Nglish: Translation of painful for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of painful for Arabic Speakers
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