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

With his doleful singing voice and a prolific work rate, he's transformed the sound of música urbana, combining elements of trap, hip-hop and R&B with the traditional sounds of Latin pop.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

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 • Dec. 4, 2025

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 • Jan. 17, 2025

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 • Mar. 10, 2024

I look at his doleful eyes and feel contempt.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood