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

In a statement the firm said: "It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague Simone White."

From BBC

Lee Daniels, the creator of Empire, speaks about the "pain and anger and sadness and frustration" he and his cast have gone through over the saga.

From BBC

They were also more likely to show internalising behaviours, such as sadness and worries, at age seven, experts say.

From Science Daily

Jean-Baptiste plays a woman who doles out misery and also, crucially, internalizes it, giving the character a humanity and sadness that’s absolutely transcendent.”

From Los Angeles Times

Smith described it as “a beautiful collection of memory, love, joy and sadness — all of it pooled together in a singular experience.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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