惨痛 (cǎn tòng): cay đắng

This investment failure cost him all his savings; it was a bitter lesson.

That car accident left him with painful memories; to this day he doesn't dare drive again.

The war brought devastating disaster to innocent civilians, leaving countless families homeless.

He lost both legs because of drunk driving, and this painful price made him regret it for life.

The company was fined and delisted for financial fraud; this bitter outcome reminds all businesses to operate with integrity.