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

“There’s a price for everything, and in this case the pain point is so high that we passed through that threshold.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

A neat, new feature aims to get rid of a pain point and make something easier and more efficient.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

“We know that’s a pain point for similar competitor products—that it doesn’t dissolve well,” said Talia Halperin, head of merchandising for Eko.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

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

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Let’s transcend the digital realm for a moment and consider the crux of this pain point, which reveals a conundrum that reaches far beyond our phones.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 5, 2025