sore

Painful or uncomfortable, especially when touched or moved.

• My throat is sore.
• Her legs were sore after the long walk.
• Are your muscles still sore from swimming?

How to use it: sore from something/doing something (My feet are sore from walking.)

Similar words: painful, tender

Common phrases: sore throat, sore muscles, sore feet

Very serious or urgent, especially when describing a need or problem.

• They were in sore need of food.
• The family found itself in sore distress.
• Our school is in sore need of repairs.

How to use it: in sore need of something (The village is in sore need of clean water.)

Similar words: dire, grave

Common phrases: sore need, sore distress, sore trouble

A painful, damaged area of skin, sometimes caused by illness or infection.

• There is a sore on my lip.
• The cream helped her sores heal.
• Cover the sore with a clean bandage.

Similar words: wound, lesion

Common phrases: open sore, mouth sore, a painful sore

Pain in muscles that feel very tired after hard work or exercise.

• The sore in his legs eased.
• A deep sore remained in her tired arms.
• Rest relieved the sore after a day of heavy work.

Similar words: muscle ache, soreness

Common phrases: a muscle sore, the sore afterward