painful

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'painful' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'painful' to describe something that causes physical or emotional pain. For example, "The memory of losing my father was painful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As the practice deepens, my chaotic thoughts and emotions, memories fond and painful, yield all manner of sensations: pain in my joints, leaps in my chest, tingling behind my neck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"If you say no, you'll eventually get to yes, but the journey will be very painful".

The Economist

Or, putting the geography to one side, to mid-table in the most watched league in world football via one relegation, a painful administration and 11 different managers – permanent, interim or caretaker – at Palace alone.

The Guardian - Sport

When it came, the charge of complicity with David Cameron was all the more painful because it was true.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Matthew, one of the narrators, says: "I've learned that when you lose things that are important, it can be a good thing, even though it's painful.

The Guardian

Sure, there might be some benefits in learning to stop your brain whirring 24 hours a day, but to do that while sitting on a hard wooden floor for 10 hours a day while nursing a painful shoulder is probably not advisable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If they're allowed to turn toxic, painful stories from people's lives have the potential to become dangerous, by threatening to tip Uganda's decades-long cycle of violence into a new revolution.

The Guardian

Many of these councils are coming because they have no other means of raising serious cash: three decades after Thatcher's rate caps, and four years into the most painful cuts faced by local government, they are flat broke.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is difficult to register them all and too painful too".

The Guardian

This had a lot to do with her painful shyness as an adolescent, the result of a complicated upbringing.

The Guardian - Arts

She said it was a "painful and unwelcome experience".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, consider using more specific terms if possible to provide more accurate information to the reader. For instance, instead of a "painful" joint, specify if it's arthritic or inflamed.

Common error

Avoid using "painful" to describe minor inconveniences or slight discomforts. Overusing the word can diminish its impact and credibility when describing genuinely distressing situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "painful" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that causes pain, either physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. For example, "a painful memory" or "a painful injury".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "painful" is a versatile adjective used to describe experiences or conditions that cause physical or emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is very common, appearing frequently in news media, lifestyle articles, and sports reports. When using "painful", consider the intensity you wish to convey and avoid overusing it for minor discomforts. Semantically related alternatives include "agonizing", "distressing", and "excruciating". Remember that choosing the right synonym can help to convey a more precise meaning. Ludwig examples and the "aiResponseStatus" confirms the correctness and usability of this word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agonizing

Emphasizes intense and prolonged suffering.

excruciating

Indicates a very high level of pain, often unbearable.

distressing

Highlights the emotional upset caused.

grievous

Suggests severe suffering or loss.

traumatic

Refers to a deeply disturbing or distressing experience.

laborious

Focuses on the difficulty and effort required.

arduous

Similar to laborious but suggests a more prolonged and tiring effort.

difficult

Implies hardship and the need for effort.

unpleasant

A milder term for something not enjoyable or agreeable.

unwelcome

Indicates something that is not wanted or pleasing.

FAQs

How can I use "painful" in a sentence?

You can use "painful" to describe something that causes physical or emotional suffering. For example, "The surgery was a "painful" experience", or "It was "painful" to watch the team lose".

What are some synonyms for "painful"?

Some synonyms for "painful" include "agonizing", "distressing", "excruciating", "grievous", and "traumatic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a painful experience"?

Yes, "a "painful" experience" is a correct and common usage. It describes an experience that causes significant discomfort or distress, either physically or emotionally.

What is the difference between "painful" and "uncomfortable"?

"Painful" suggests a stronger degree of distress, either physical or emotional, while "uncomfortable" implies a milder form of unease or physical discomfort. Something "painful" causes significant suffering, whereas something "uncomfortable" simply causes mild irritation or unease.