hurtful

adjective

hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
: causing injury, detriment, or suffering : damaging
hurtfully adverb
hurtfulness noun

Examples of hurtful in a Sentence

She can't forgive him for the hurtful things he said. Their comments were really hurtful to me.
Recent Examples on the Web Bobbi was very upset, and what followed was an angry and hurtful exchange based on various unresolved feelings (both related and unrelated), ultimately leading to the complete and mutual estrangement. Amy Dickinson, Chicago Tribune, 31 May 2024 For far too long, men who partake in these hurtful behaviors may not realize the damaging effects of their actions. Jasmine Elise, Essence, 24 May 2024 While this may be hurtful, ultimately, everyone who is meant to be in your life will be in your life. Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 20 Apr. 2024 Guilt, anger, recrimination and hurtful words drift all around this family, like poplar tree fluff in June. Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for hurtful 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hurtful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hurtful was in 1526

Dictionary Entries Near hurtful

Cite this Entry

“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurtful. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

hurtful

adjective
hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
: causing injury or suffering : damaging
hurtfully adverb
hurtfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hurtful

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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