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

"It’s a great sadness for everybody, what a great opportunity this was for football in Northern Ireland," he told the committee.

From BBC

His widow, Samantha Morris, said she felt "pain and sadness" that even though she had been with him, she had not held his hand because she did not realise he was dying.

From BBC

When Bellamy's first stint with the Wales squad in September was coming to an end, the former captain spoke of his sadness about having to part with his players.

From BBC

People have spoken of their sadness and confusion after the suspected murder of a woman whose body was found in the boot of a car more than 100 miles from her home.

From BBC

When I sat down to watch "Interview with the Vampire" the other night I carried inside me a sadness that I've described as feeling like cancer.

From Salon

Related Words

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