commiseration

American  

[kuh-miz-uh-rey-shuhn] / kəˌmɪz əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of empathizing, or expressing sympathy or sorrow for someone about something.

   Taking the seat next to him, she put her arm around his shoulders in silent commiseration.

2. commiserations, an expression of sympathy or sorrow for someone.

   All my thanks and commiserations to the dedicated staff, many of whom I expect will lose their jobs in the cutbacks.

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Other Word Forms

• noncommiseration noun

Etymology

Origin of commiseration

First recorded in 1570–80; commiserat(e) ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Talking about it with other people strikes up genuine conversation and commiseration.

From Salon • May 22, 2025

With their local groups, people mostly posted helpful advice or commiseration.

From Slate • Jan. 11, 2025

A celebration of Black women, and a ticked-off commiseration for all the nonsense thrown their way, it names a host of psychic poisons and puts them on display.

From New York Times • Jan. 12, 2024

Even among more put-together attendees, private Slack channels were reportedly awash in commiseration.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2023

Ruby had once asked her in a spirit of commiseration.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor