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 • Dec. 4, 2025

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 • Mar. 21, 2025

With his bulldog build and his doleful countenance, Mr. Young amassed more than 160 film and television credits.

From New York Times • Oct. 18, 2023

Shouldn’t all movies feature a disillusioned astrophysicist, particularly one as charmingly doleful as Stanfield’s character?

From Seattle Times • Jul. 25, 2023

We had a doleful parting, and when I took my place by Magwitch’s side, I felt that that was my place henceforth while he lived.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens