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

When Kaphar, aided by cinematographer Lachlan Milne’s delicate blend of warmth and cool, adds an imaginative touch, as when Tarell has visions of his boyhood self as a sorrowful presence alongside his paintings, the moment clicks with soulful recognition instead of feeling analytically indulgent.

From Los Angeles Times

“When the Israeli forces attacked Rafah in early May, we had to toward the north. Then from the north to the south. North, south, north. My father, who used to be the calmest man, is so stressed and sorrowful. It’s like we live in a bad dream.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

The other one, “Handling the Undead” by Norwegian director Thea Hvistendahl, is a sorrowful, moody twist on the zombie film starring Renate Reinsve and Anders Danielsen Lie from “The Worst Person in the World.”

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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