hurtful

adjective

hurt·​ful ˈhərt-fəl How to pronounce hurtful (audio)
Synonyms of hurtfulnext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Strangers’ comments can be hurtful, of course. R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026 At one point, Bradby asked Kate if criticisms of her work ethic were hurtful. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 This rainfall will be more helpful than hurtful with the drought situation. Steven Sosna, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 In a matter of minutes the best of friends go from being giggling buddies to making bitchy remarks, then hurtful revelations, all with little motivation or sense. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hurtful

Word History

First Known Use

1526, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hurtful was in 1526

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurtful. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

hurtful

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

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