Comb-shaped poly(arylene ether ketones) containing hydrophilic fragments in side chains are synthesized through the interaction of side reactive carboxyl groups of poly(arylene ether ketones) with methyl ethers of poly(ethylene glycol). Films based on these polymers possess tensile strengths up to 89 MPa and relative elongations at break up to 340%. Comb-shaped poly(arylene ether ketones) swell in water, and some of them show solubility in ethanol and methanol.