Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
If a part of your body is ~, it hurts because it is injured or because there is something wrong with it.
Her glands were swollen and ~...
ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf
~ly
His tooth had started to throb ~ly again.
ADV: ADV with v
2.
If something such as an illness, injury, or operation is ~, it causes you a lot of physical pain.
...a ~ back injury...
ADJ
~ly
He cracked his head ~ly against the cupboard.
ADV: ADV with v
3.
Situations, memories, or experiences that are ~ are difficult and unpleasant to deal with, and often make you feel sad and upset.
Remarks like that brought back ~ memories...
She finds it too ~ to return there without him.
ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf
~ly
...their old relationship, which he had ~ly broken off.
ADV: ADV with v
4.
If a performance or interview is ~, it is so bad that it makes you feel embarrassed for the people taking part in it. (INFORMAL)
The interview was ~ to watch.
ADJ: oft ADJ to-inf