Hurtfulness

Hurtfulness is the quality of causing emotional pain, offense, or distress to others. It encompasses actions, words, or behaviors intended or perceived as damaging to someone's feelings, self-esteem, or well-being. This can manifest through intentional cruelty, thoughtless remarks, dismissive attitudes, or actions that disregard the sensitivities of others. It is the capacity of causing emotional wounds, leaving lasting impacts on interpersonal relationships, and contributing to conflict. Understanding hurtfulness is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting respectful communication.

Hurtfulness meaning with examples

• Her off-hand comment about his weight, though seemingly innocuous, revealed an underlying hurtfulness that wounded their friendship. He hadn't meant any harm, but his unintentional slight had left her feeling insecure and self-conscious, highlighting the need for sensitive discourse.
• The politician's use of inflammatory rhetoric demonstrated significant hurtfulness, as it directly targeted and disparaged a minority group, furthering division and causing fear. The impact was instant and long-lasting, leading to increased aggression.
• After the unexpected breakup, the ex-partner sent out a hurtful text message about the former partner's family, displaying considerable hurtfulness, intending to deeply wound the person's feelings and inflict lasting emotional damage.
• The subtle yet constant stream of criticism in her work was laden with a specific type of hurtfulness. While never explicit, the tone implied incompetence, slowly chipping away at her confidence and fostering a feeling of inadequacy.
• His public display of infidelity was a calculated act of hurtfulness designed to humiliate his spouse, devastating the relationship and creating deep emotional scars. He fully understood the consequences of his actions.