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
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.
However, sometimes our discussions would turn into heated and hurtful arguments. Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2025 These allegations are false and incredibly hurtful to both me and, more importantly, my family. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025 So eventually, unspoken frustrations (socks on the floor, too many nights out, a pattern of flakiness) build into resentment, which can leak out in the form of unproductive, passive-aggressive comments or more explosive, potentially hurtful blowups. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 24 Jan. 2025 Engaging in playful teasing or inside jokes that are fun—but not hurtful— can help break the ice and foster intimacy without the heaviness that sometimes comes with serious conversations. Mark Travers, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near hurtful

Cite this Entry

“Hurtful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hurtful. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

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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