adj.
Pronunciation: ' p ā n-f ə l
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: pain · ful · ler \ -f ə -l ə r \ ; pain · ful · lest
Date: 14th century
1 a : feeling or giving pain <a painful injury> b : IRKSOME , ANNOYING
2 : requiring effort or exertion <a long painful trip>
3 archaic : CAREFUL , DILIGENT
– pain · ful · ly \ -f( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– pain · ful · ness \ -f ə l-n ə s \ noun