sorrowful

[ sor-uh-fuhl, sawr- ]

adjective

1. full of or feeling sorrow; grieved; sad.

   Synonyms: unhappy

2. showing or expressing sorrow; mournful; plaintive:

   a sorrowful song.

   Synonyms: melancholy

3. involving or causing sorrow; distressing:

   a sorrowful event.

   Synonyms: heartbreaking, piteous

Other Words From

• sorrow·ful·ly adverb
• sorrow·ful·ness noun
• over·sorrow·ful adjective
• over·sorrow·ful·ly adverb
• over·sorrow·ful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sorrowful¹

before 900; Middle English sorowful, Old English sorgful. See sorrow, -ful

Example Sentences

The country's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called it a "dark and sorrowful day in New Zealand's history as a society", saying "we should have done better, and I am determined we will do so".

From BBC

During an especially sorrowful moment in Edgardo’s confinement, one of the figures of the crucified Christ in the Roman dormitory for child converts takes leave of his cross with the help of little Edgardo.

From New York Times

Instead, the carefully prepared Cohen was subdued and succinct, admitting his lies and misdeeds in service of Donald Trump with a sorrowful mien.

From Salon

“Uncle Vanya” is known for its sorrowful emotion, though the anguish failed to awaken my ready sympathy.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Don Quixote” was pure Dudamel, conveying narrative nuance in Strauss’ chronicle of the knight of “sorrowful countenance.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affecting
• distressing
• heart-wrenching
• heartrending
• lugubrious
• melancholy
• mournful
• painful
• plaintive
• sad
• sorry