afflictive

[ uh-flik-tiv ]

/ əˈflɪk tɪv /

characterized by or causing pain, distress, or grief; distressing.

Origin of afflictive

First recorded in 1605–15; afflict + -ive

af·flic·tive·ly, adverb

The "afflictive birch, cursed by unlettered idle youth," has other uses than that which the quotation would seem likely to imply.

Poachers and Poaching |John Watson
What shall we do but seek ability at the Divine footstool to bow in humble resignation to this afflictive dispensation?

Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel |John Yeardley
"I do well to be angry, even unto death," is the usual style in which we greet the afflictive providence of God.

The World's Great Sermons, Volume 7: Hale to Farrar |Various
It is well in all circumstances, even in the most afflictive, with those who have God for their comforter.

The Works of William Cowper |William Cowper

The dispensation may be dark, and afflictive, and even profoundly mysterious; yet we should think, it is God that hath done it.

A Memorial of Mrs. Margaret Breckinridge |Archibald Alexander