Weltschmerz

American  

[velt-shmerts] / ˈvɛltˌʃmɛrts /

Or weltschmerz

noun

German.

1. sorrow that one feels and accepts as one's necessary portion in life; sentimental pessimism.

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Weltschmerz British  

/ ˈvɛltʃmɛrts /

noun

1. sadness or melancholy at the evils of the world; world-weariness

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Etymology

Origin of Weltschmerz

First recorded in 1860–65; literally, “world-pain,” from Welt world ( def. ) + Schmerz “pain”; smart ( def. ) (in the sense “pain”)

Example Sentences

It’s a sure cure for any lingering Weltschmerz.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Weltschmerz?” a kind voice asked, just behind her.

From Literature

Some are not easily translatable between languages: Germans use “Weltschmerz” to refer to a feeling of melancholy caused by the state of the world.

From Scientific American

Many of Untitled Goose Game’s relatively young players are, it seems fair to assume, suffering from a sense of Weltschmerz.

From The New Yorker

With its impressionistic opening giving way to sweeping melodies, the work has an appealing throwback glamour with touches of Mahlerian Weltschmerz and just a hint of jazzy swing.

From New York Times

Related Words

• agony
• apprehension
• dread
• misgiving
• nervousness
• uneasiness