commiseration

American  

[kuh-miz-uh-rey-shuhn] / kəˌmɪz əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of empathizing, or expressing sympathy or sorrow for someone about something.

   Taking the seat next to him, she put her arm around his shoulders in silent commiseration.

2. commiserations, an expression of sympathy or sorrow for someone.

   All my thanks and commiserations to the dedicated staff, many of whom I expect will lose their jobs in the cutbacks.

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Other Word Forms

• noncommiseration noun

Etymology

Origin of commiseration

First recorded in 1570–80; commiserat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Talking about it with other people strikes up genuine conversation and commiseration.

From Salon

He gets “mostly commiseration and sympathy” from French friends who understand the distinction between the American public and Trump, but are “bewildered by a lot of what is happening in the States now.”

From Los Angeles Times

A celebration of Black women, and a ticked-off commiseration for all the nonsense thrown their way, it names a host of psychic poisons and puts them on display.

From New York Times

But it’s also a forum for animated commiseration about the state of gun regulation in California.

From Los Angeles Times

This version of commiseration is distinct from the GOP's long-successful strategy of falling in line behind those knighted by their leadership, including Kelly and Carlson's former employer.

From Salon