pain point

American  

[peyn point] / ˈpeɪn ˌpɔɪnt /

noun

1. a problem, frustration, or troublesome issue, especially one experienced by consumers, customers, or employees.

   Getting stuck in a slow checkout line is a major pain point for grocery shoppers.

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Etymology

Origin of pain point

First recorded in 2000–05

Example Sentences

"This is undoubtedly going to be a pain point for the US economy," Knightley said.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

One issue cited by current and former employees is the lack of a cohesive experience across the different Copilots, a user pain point Nadella has flagged in the past.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

Rapaport may be Season 4’s obvious pain point, but it has its pleasures too.

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

Long also doesn’t think that stalling home prices are a big pain point for homeowners.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 28, 2025

But wildfires remain a particular pain point for California.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2025