The term 'IS PAINFUL' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: SMARTS (6 letters) and HURTS (5 letters). SMARTS is an acronym for 'Skills, Motivation, Attitude, Responsibility, Teamwork, and Self-esteem'. This term is used to describe the qualities of a successful individual. HURTS is a verb meaning to cause physical or emotional pain. Pain can be caused by a variety of sources, including physical injury, illness, or emotional trauma. Both SMARTS and HURTS are related to the term IS PAINFUL, as they both refer to the idea of pain in some form.