Sore/sɔːr/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2Physical Discomfort Use 'sore' to describe a specific area that's hurting, typically from exercise or injury. After the marathon, my legs were exceptionally sore. Pro Tip 2/2Mild or Severe 'Sore' can describe mild to severe pain, but it usually implies a nagging, persistent discomfort. She couldn’t write because her wrist was too sore.