Painful Definition & Meaning

painful
adjective
  1. causing physical or psychological pain; "worked with painful slowness"
  2. causing misery or pain or distress; "it was a sore trial to him"; "the painful process of growing up"
  3. exceptionally bad or displeasing; "atrocious taste"; "abominable workmanship"; "an awful voice"; "dreadful manners"; "a painful performance"; "terrible handwriting"; "an unspeakable odor came sweeping into the room"
  4. causing physical discomfort; "bites of black flies are more than irritating; they can be very painful"

"Painful" in song lyrics

See how painful is used in real songs:

  • "And inserted it slowly to make it less painful"
    Apathy — Live at the Playboy Mansion
  • "You filled my father's body full of poison and it's painful"
    Apathy f/ Diabolic, Eternia — Dear Lord
  • "Some'll die in they sleep, but many have died painful"
    Apollo Brown & O.C. — Signs

Usage tips for "painful"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "painful" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for painful to find words that pair well.

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