profound pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'profound pain' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense feeling of physical or emotional pain. For example, "John experienced a profound pain in his chest after his grandmother passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

African America has, of course, a distinctive history, of profound pain and amazing grace.

The New York Times - Arts

Experiences are there in sharp focus; some an immeasurable pleasure, others a profound pain.

The Guardian

And that it's a source of profound pain for you and for the whole church? A. Absolutely.

The New York Times

They share an eerie coincidence of geography -- their homes are less than two miles apart -- and the profound pain of grief for a son lost in war.

The New York Times

Mr. Rosensaft, the founding chairman of the International Network of Children of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, has led a protest campaign, saying that the exhibition inflicts "profound pain and emotional distress on the men and women who experienced the Holocaust".

The New York Times

Julie Walters is brilliant, too, as Marie Finchley, with only the tangible tension in the muscles of her face and the occasional wobble in her voice betraying the profound pain she is experiencing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

How profound that pain might be can be seen in another set of numbers, distinct from the political race, about the rising and unexpected mortality among white, middle-aged men without a college degree.

The New Yorker

The author is baffled by the wilful eccentricity and stubbornness of her parents and by the strange vacancy of her sister who, she concedes, for most of their time together resided in a place of 'such profound, unreachable pain that she didn't exist for me except as some shadowy, silent, very beautiful unattainable creature'.

The Guardian - Books

Side effects of bone augmentation include profound edema, pain, and discomfort and possible risks of nerve and blood vessel injury leading to nerve disturbance and hematoma [3, 4].

International Journal of Implant Dentistry

"This profound human pain... will ignite in you such a deep hunger to heal yourself.

Huffington Post

It's a reminder that profound emotional pain can occur in the talented, the successful, the admired, the well-loved.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound pain" to describe experiences that have a lasting and significant impact, whether physical or emotional. For example, "The loss of her family had caused her profound pain."

Common error

Avoid using "profound pain" for minor discomforts. Reserve it for situations involving genuinely deep and impactful suffering. Saying "I have a profound pain in my foot" after stubbing your toe would be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound pain" functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "pain", intensifying its meaning. Examples found by Ludwig illustrate its use in describing deep emotional distress, physical suffering, or a combination of both.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound pain" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe deep emotional or physical suffering. Ludwig's analysis shows it is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, conveying intense and lasting impact. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations where the level of suffering warrants such a strong descriptor. Alternatives such as "intense suffering" or "excruciating agony" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agonizing pain

Focuses on the prolonged and tormenting nature of the suffering.

excruciating agony

Focuses on the unbearable and tormenting aspect of the pain.

intense suffering

Highlights the severity and prolonged nature of the pain or distress.

deep sorrow

Focuses on the emotional aspect, emphasizing sadness rather than physical sensation.

unbearable torment

Emphasizes the inability to cope with the level of pain experienced.

acute anguish

Emphasizes a sudden and severe emotional pain.

heart-wrenching distress

Highlights the emotional pain that feels like a physical blow to the heart.

grievous hurt

Implies a deep wound or injury, often emotional.

deep seated grief

Implies a long-lasting and deeply rooted emotional pain.

extreme discomfort

Emphasizes the degree of pain which causes disruption to normal function.

FAQs

How can I use "profound pain" in a sentence?

You can use "profound pain" to describe deep emotional or physical suffering. For example, "The survivors of the earthquake experienced "profound pain" and loss."

What are some alternatives to "profound pain"?

Alternatives include "deep sorrow", "intense suffering", or "excruciating agony", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "profound pain" a formal or informal expression?

"Profound pain" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is generally more appropriate for serious or somber situations. Avoid using it in casual or lighthearted conversations.

What's the difference between "profound pain" and "agonizing pain"?

"Agonizing pain" refers specifically to the experience of intense suffering, while "profound pain" can encompass both physical and emotional suffering, implying a deep and lasting impact. You can also say "agonizing pain", but it's usually associated with physical suffering.