Newcastle were left frustrated as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Sunderland in the first Premier League Tyne-Wear derby since 2016.
Nick Woltemade’s own goal was the difference between the two sides as Sunderland players and fans celebrated well after the final whistle.
Speaking after the game, Howe said: “It’s a horrible feeling, it’s very painful.
“It was not our finest game. It’s so disappointing, we know our performance was not what it needed to be. But, no, I don’t think it will define our season.
“Nothing is lost today, it was a game of very few chances settled by a freak goal and we couldn’t create the openings we wanted.
“The effort was there but the quality wasn’t. We were disappointed with our creative output. We haven’t delivered. It’s difficult to take.”