That gives or is characterized by pain; of a nature to pain, render uneasy, or inflict suffering, whether bodily or mental; distressing: as, a painful operation in surgery; a painful effort; a painful subject.That requires or necessitates labor, exertion, care, or attention; troublesome; difficult; toilsome.Painstaking; industrious; busy; careful; laborious; hard-working.Synonyms and Racking, agonizing, tormenting, torturing, excruciating, arduous, severe, grievous, trying, afflictive.