What Is Another Way to Say “Hurt Feelings”?

Looking for synonyms for hurt feelings? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say hurt feelings.

  • Offended
  • Wounded
  • Insulted
  • Upset
  • Affronted
  • Aggrieved
  • Distressed
  • Displeased
  • Resentful
  • Pained

Want to learn how to say hurt feelings professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Offended

“Offended” is used in professional contexts when someone’s feelings are hurt due to disrespectful or insensitive remarks or actions.

Example: “She felt offended by the dismissive tone used by her colleague during the meeting.”

2. Wounded

“Wounded” refers to deep emotional hurt, often as a result of significant or personal criticism in a professional setting.

Example: “His wounded response to the performance review revealed how much he valued feedback.”

3. Insulted

“Insulted” is used when someone feels disrespected or demeaned by someone’s words or actions in the workplace.

Example: “The team felt insulted by the lack of acknowledgment for their hard work on the project.”

4. Upset

“Upset” is a general term for when someone’s feelings are negatively affected, often by misunderstandings or conflicts at work.

Example: “She was visibly upset after the abrupt cancellation of her presentation.”

5. Affronted

“Affronted” is used in professional contexts to describe a reaction to a direct insult or offense.

Example: “He was affronted by the public criticism of his leadership style.”

6. Aggrieved

“Aggrieved” is appropriate in professional settings when someone feels they have been treated unfairly or have suffered an injustice.

Example: “The aggrieved employees felt that the new policy was biased against them.”

7. Distressed

“Distressed” is used in professional contexts to describe serious emotional disturbance or upset, often due to stressful situations or overwhelming challenges.

Example: “She was distressed by the news of the company’s impending layoffs.”

8. Displeased

“Displeased” is used to describe milder forms of hurt feelings, often as a result of disappointment or dissatisfaction in a professional environment.

Example: “The manager was clearly displeased with the project’s delay.”

9. Resentful

“Resentful” is used when someone harbors lingering negative feelings, often due to perceived slights or injustices in the workplace.

Example: “He became resentful after being passed over for the promotion he had worked hard for.”

10. Pained

“Pained” is used to express a deep sense of emotional hurt or discomfort in a professional setting.

Example: “She was pained by the team’s lack of trust in her decision-making.”

Linda Brown