sadness

[ sad-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being sad; sorrow:

   It’s frustrating to know the sadness you’re feeling and not be able to help you.

2. an instance of sorrow:

   How can you be so unaware of the sadnesses these children have experienced?

Word History and Origins

Origin of sadness¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English sadnesse; sad ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

Those who worked on the show have also expressed their sadness ahead of the soap coming to an end.

From BBC

If not, I’d like to introduce you to Sadness and Disgust.

From Los Angeles Times

"With sadness, I fully respect and understand Archbishop Justin's decision today to resign," she said.

From BBC

Later, when Sarah Sherman expresses sadness for not having a Jan. 6 repeat, Jost appears regretful by her side while wearing a horned headdress, a la the QAnon Shaman.

From Salon

Earlier this month, Slate contributor Magdalene Taylor attended a Tinder-hosted meet-up where she detailed the thrill of having men line up to talk to her, but left feeling “a sense of sadness” about it all, “as well as anxiety about how everyone else who had attended was feeling.”

From Slate

Related Words

• anguish
• grief
• heartache
• heartbreak
• hopelessness
• melancholy
• misery
• mourning
• poignancy
• sorrow