pain point

/ˈpeɪn ˌpɔɪnt/
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A recurring problem or frustration that calls for a practical solution.

Examples

  • Slow checkout is the biggest pain point for our customers.
  • Housing costs remain a major pain point for local families.
  • Which pain points did employees mention in the survey?
  • We cannot design a useful service until we understand the real pain points.
  • The update fixed one pain point but created another.

Similar words

trouble spot
sticking point
source of frustration
problem area

Meanings

Recurring problem or frustration

business
neutral
A persistent or repeated problem that causes difficulty, annoyance, or distress, especially for customers, users, or employees and often seen as something to solve.

Examples

  • Slow checkout is the biggest pain point for our customers.
  • Which pain points did employees mention in the survey?
  • The update fixed one pain point but created another.
  • Housing costs remain a major pain point for local families.
  • We cannot design a useful service until we understand the real pain points.

Similar words

Etymology

The phrase combines pain, meaning distress or difficulty, with point, meaning a particular place or issue. It became established in business and customer-experience language before spreading into broader use.

FAQ

What does pain point mean?

A pain point is a recurring problem or frustration that affects people and often needs a practical solution.

What is an example of a pain point?

A confusing checkout that repeatedly makes customers abandon purchases is a pain point.

Is pain point only used in business?

No. It is common in business and design, but pain point can describe any repeated source of trouble or distress.

What is the plural of pain point?

The plural is pain points, as in “The survey revealed three pain points.”

How is a pain point different from a one-time problem?

A pain point usually persists or happens repeatedly, while a one-time problem may be an isolated event.

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