expression, i-adjective
painful to listen to; unbearable to hear
Used when something is so terrible, offensive, or embarrassing that one cannot stand listening to it. Often applied to bad music, awful speeches, or shameful remarks.
彼の下手な歌は聞くに堪えない。
His poor singing is painful to listen to.
その政治家の演説はあまりにも空
The politician's speech was so empty that it was unbearable to hear.