hurting
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for hurting, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Experiencing pain or distress, physical or emotional.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “hurting” mean?
The word “hurting” means experiencing pain or distress, physical or emotional. In plain terms, feeling pain, whether physical or emotional — often used informally, as in "we're hurting for cash.".
How do you use “hurting” in a sentence?
Here is “hurting” used in a sentence: “After the layoffs, the whole team was hurting.”
What part of speech is “hurting”?
Depending on how it is used, “hurting” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “hurting” a common word?
“Hurting” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hurting” have?
“Hurting” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: experiencing pain or distress, physical or emotional.
What is the difference between hurting and hurt?
'Hurt' can be the base verb or its past tense and often names the injury or completed action, while 'hurting' is the -ing form showing pain that is ongoing, as in 'my knee is hurting.' 'Hurting' emphasizes that the pain is happening right now.
Is hurting an adjective or a verb?
'Hurting' works as both: it is a verb form in 'she is hurting' and an adjective in 'a hurting heart.' It can also act as a noun meaning a feeling of pain.
When do you use hurting for emotional rather than physical pain?
'Hurting' covers both kinds of pain, so context decides the meaning; 'I'm really hurting' after a loss signals emotional distress, while 'my foot is hurting' is physical. The word itself does not specify which type.
What is the difference between hurting and aching?
Aching usually describes a dull, continuous pain, while hurting is a broader word for any pain, sharp or dull, physical or emotional. A tired muscle may be aching, but a fresh cut is more likely described as hurting.