Sadness: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to a general feeling of unhappiness. It's often used in everyday situations and is less intense than some other synonyms.

• She felt sadness when she heard the bad news.
• There was sadness in his voice as he spoke about his lost friend.

Suitable for describing a more profound and often prolonged state of sadness, often related to loss or misfortune.

• Her letter expressed her deep sorrow at his passing.
• The country was united in sorrow after the tragic event.

Use this term to describe deep sorrow, especially from the death of a loved one. It's often associated with mourning.

• She was overwhelmed with grief at her father's funeral.
• Years after the accident, he still felt deep grief.

This word is best used when describing a deep, reflective, and often lingering sadness. It's not as overwhelming as grief or despair and can sometimes have a romantic or poetic connotation.

• He felt a sense of melancholy as he walked through the old neighborhood.
• The song had a haunting, melancholy tone.

This word is suitable for situations where someone feels a complete loss of hope. It's very intense and often connected with desperate situations.

• He was in despair after losing his job.
• She felt despair when she couldn't find her lost pet.

Used to describe a general feeling of low spirits or heartache. It is a broad term used in many contexts, from everyday disappointments to more serious emotional states.

• She felt a wave of sadness after saying goodbye.
• His sadness was evident in his eyes.

Describes a profound sense of grief or regret. Often used in the context of loss or mourning.

• Her sorrowfulness was palpable at the funeral.
• He wrote a sorrowful letter to express his deep regret.

Refers to a state of dissatisfaction or discomfort. It can apply to both temporary and more enduring emotional states.

• Her unhappiness at work affected her overall wellbeing.
• There was a general sense of unhappiness among the team.

Carries a poetic or refined connotation and implies a deep, reflective sorrow or wistfulness. It is often used in literary or artistic contexts.

• There was a melancholy tone in his voice when he spoke of the past.
• The painting evoked a sense of melancholy and longing.

Often used to describe a more pervasive and lingering sense of darkness or hopelessness. It can refer to both emotional states and physical environments.

• The old mansion had an air of gloominess about it.
• His constant gloominess made it hard to be around him.