doleful

American  

[dohl-fuhl] / ˈdoʊl fəl /

adjective

1. sorrowful; mournful; melancholy.

   a doleful look on her face.

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doleful British  

/ ˈdəʊlfʊl /

adjective

1. Archaic word: dolesome.  dreary; mournful

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Other Word Forms

• dolefully adverb
• dolefulness noun

Etymology

Origin of doleful

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

Example Sentences

When no one is around, the doleful ex-judge listens to Italian gangsta rap, and sometimes even raps along with it, suggesting he isn’t quite the stereotype others assume him to be.

From The Wall Street Journal

His agent has booked him a gig as “Sad American,” a role he can easily play with his looming height, doleful eyes and a heart he wears on his sleeve.

From Los Angeles Times

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