hurtful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word 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
"It's really just a hurtful process from start to finish."
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
Eight days later, Sotomayor issued an apology, saying her comment was inappropriate and hurtful.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
She said people have made hurtful comments to her.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026
“That’s hurtful, but I’m guessing you’re in a mood because you’re carrying a breakup box you were going to hand over to Hudson. What happened?”
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
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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.