doleful

[dohl-fuhl]

adjective

1. sorrowful; mournful; melancholy.

   a doleful look on her face.

doleful

/ ˈdəʊlfʊl /

adjective

1. Archaic word: dolesome. dreary; mournful

Other Word Forms

• dolefulness noun
• dolefully adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of doleful¹

First recorded in 1225–75, doleful is from the Middle English word dol-ful. See dole ², -ful

Example Sentences

Now, she has vowed a thorough investigation and moved to clear bureaucratic obstacles for people engaged in doleful quests for the missing.

From Los Angeles Times

Outside Pasadena Humane’s ICU, two big, gray dogs, believed to be cane corso mixes, shared a kennel and leaned into each other, looking up at passersby with doleful eyes.

From Los Angeles Times

What the documentary describes as the “shock wave” from Jesus’ doleful announcement of profound betrayal within his cohort is seen rippling through the facial features and bodily gestures of the gathered apostles.

From Los Angeles Times

In a sign of the strength of the “Barbie” soundtrack, the winner’s stiffest Oscars competition may have been another song from the film, “I’m Just Ken,” Ryan Gosling’s doleful lamentation.

From New York Times

That doleful mood pervades these interpretations: a sadly beautiful tone; an emotional climax that evaporates rather than reaching a resolution; a heartbreakingly simple plunk of high keys.

From New York Times