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. )

Explanation

Commiseration refers to feelings of sympathy for other people. If a friend's pet dies, you will probably want to express your commiseration. If you are feeling commiseration for someone, they are probably going through difficult times. We feel commiseration when others suffer or feel pain and we understand that pain. We commiserate with them. The Latin root com- means "together with." Just as communication and community are words involving getting people together, commiseration is about feeling other people's pain.

Example Sentences

But commiseration and understanding aren’t enough, and real psychological help isn’t something to be found in a subreddit.

From Slate • Aug. 21, 2024

Even among more put-together attendees, private Slack channels were reportedly awash in commiseration.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2023

The pair go on to gather with other Black men whose partners died in a similar way, finding comfort and commiseration in each other.

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2022

For now, the galleries seemed primed for more than just the usual commiseration from those many fans who understand the brutality of golf but a commiseration from all those who understand calamity and recovery.

From Washington Post • Apr. 10, 2022

In return, she offers me a commiseration of raised eyebrows—which is one step before a friendly smile.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman