B1adjectivehealthemotions
US/ˈpeɪn.fəl/
UK/ˈpeɪn.fəl/
causing physical pain, or making you feel sad or upset
In context
My knee is still painful after I fell off my bike.
Breaking up with her was a painful experience.
Waiting for the exam results was the most painful part of the year.
Words that go with painful
adjective + noun
- painful experienceLosing a pet is a painful experience.
- painful memoriesThe song brought back painful memories.
- painful processChanging the system was a slow and painful process.
- painful truthThe painful truth is that we lost money.
adverb + adjective
- extremely painfulThe burn was extremely painful.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I feel painful in my back.Correct: My back is painful. / My back hurts.