painlesspain‧less /ˈpeɪnləs/ ●○○ adjective 
a painless death2not difficult or unpleasant to do OPP painful: The train is a quick and painless way to travel. The interview was relatively painless.► see thesaurus at easy—painlessly adverb
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a painless trip to the dentist
- a painless way to learn a foreign language
- The operation is simple and painless.
- Although a few had had quick and relatively painless births, many had found it a very painful experience.
- But this revolutionary change will not be painless.
- Herewith, a few thoughts on how to render the experience as painless as possible.
- I know that for millions of women it must be an easy, painless decision.
- Indeed, economic development programs at times were portrayed as painless ways to help the poor.
- Iridology, sometimes referred to as iris diagnosis, is a non-invasive, painless diagnostic technique, according to practitioners.
- It took 10-15 minutes and was completely painless.
- Rasping is entirely painless and many horses even appear to enjoy the experience.
THESAURUS
not difficult to do, and not needing much effort: · an easy task· The house was easy to find.
easy and not complicated – used about things such as instructions and explanations, or about machines and systems: · The system is relatively simple to operate.· a simple recipe for chocolate cake
easy to understand or do, and unlikely to cause you any problems: · a straightforward explanation· The calculation is fairly straightforward.
easy to use – used especially about computers or written information about how to do something: · Their website is very user-friendly.· a user-friendly guide to owning a dog
easy because it does not take a lot of effort: · It was an undemanding role for someone of his experience.
informal a cushy job is easy to do and needs very little effort – often used when you are envious of the person who has it: · It’s a pretty cushy job – all she has to do is drive a nice car around.· a cushy number (=a very easy job)
so easy that you can do it without thinking – used especially when it makes you feel bored: · mindless tasks
without any difficulties or problems – used especially when you expected something to be much worse: · Finding the carhire place at the airport was relatively painless.· Thankfully, there's a wide selection of search tools to make the task relatively painless.
British English, be smooth sailing American English to be easy and with no problems that you have to deal with: · Things should be plain sailing from now on.
Longman Language Activatorwhen there is no pain if something does not hurt , it is not painful: · I twisted my ankle a little, but it doesn't hurt.· Don't worry - it's a very quick procedure and it won't hurt.
something that is painless does not hurt - use this especially when someone is worried that it might hurt: · The operation is simple and painless.
spoken to not feel any pain at all: · Don't worry about the injection - you won't feel a thing.· The guys who were fighting were so drunk, I'm sure they didn't feel a thing.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The interview was relatively painless.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
The interview was relatively painless.· The sores are usually relatively painless, and this procedure, like the urethral investigation, need give no cause for alarm.· To be honest, it was relatively painless.· Although a few had had quick and relatively painless births, many had found it a very painful experience.· Dinner itself was a relatively painless affair.
NOUN· There must be more painless ways of raising money.· Indeed, economic development programs at times were portrayed as painless ways to help the poor.· There is no altogether painless way of escaping from a pay-as-you-go scheme, particularly if you want people to make substitute provision.· They say death comes like sleep, a painless way oblivion.
WORD FAMILYadjectivepainedpainful ≠ painlessnounpainverbpainadverbpainfully ≠ painlessly
1causing no pain OPP painful: a painless death2not difficult or unpleasant to do OPP painful: The train is a quick and painless way to travel. The interview was relatively painless.► see thesaurus at easy—painlessly adverb