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Definition of aching

aching

/ˈeɪ.kɪŋ/
ach · ing
Adverb:achingly
•
Plural:achings
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aching Lexical Profile

aching Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Experiencing or characterized by a continuous, dull physical pain or soreness.

Example

"A warm bath helped soothe her aching muscles after the marathon."

2

Feeling or expressing deep emotional distress, sorrow, or longing.

Example

"The song captured the aching loneliness of living far from home."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A continuous, dull physical pain or the sensation of soreness in the body.

Example

"A persistent aching in his lower back made it difficult to sit at the desk all day."

2

A profound feeling of emotional sorrow, grief, or intense longing.

Example

"Time gradually softened the aching of his grief."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for aching
Antonyms
View all antonyms for aching

• Rhymes for aching

• Nearby Words

achillea
achimenes
achiness
aching
achingly
achira
achoo

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the Old English verb 'acan' (to suffer continuous pain), combined with the participial and gerund suffix '-ing'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Aching. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/aching
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