1 B2 idiomatic informal
To feel deep sympathy or emotional pain on someone else's behalf.
"When I heard about his loss, I really hurt for him."
inseparable
hurt for
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To feel sympathy or pain on behalf of someone, or to be in serious need of something.
In plain English
To feel really sad for someone, or to badly need something.
What does "hurt for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To be in serious need of something; to lack something urgently.
"The small restaurant is really hurting for experienced chefs right now."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To experience physical pain directed at something — the idiomatic leap is toward emotional pain or lack.
Actually means
To feel really sad for someone, or to badly need something.
Usage tip
Primarily used in American English. The 'be in need of' sense is especially common in American informal speech ('we're hurting for money'). The empathy sense is widespread.
Words that pair with "hurt for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money staff sympathy help players him her
How to conjugate "hurt for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
hurt for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hurts for
he/she/it
Past simple
hurted for
yesterday
Past participle
hurted for
have + pp
-ing form
hurting for
continuous
Hear "hurt for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "hurt for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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