hurtful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of hurtful
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Three months later, I published a mea culpa, in which I renounced my support for Trump and apologized for my hurtful deeds and rhetoric.
From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026
Eight days later, Sotomayor issued an apology, saying her comment was inappropriate and hurtful.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
Of course, you cannot unhear hurtful comments, but you can prevent them from impacting your performance.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026
An actor for almost four decades, Lillard says he has built up a thick skin, but the comments were hurtful.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026
My words don’t sit well with him—he looks like I’ve said something hurtful.
From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
