inconsolable
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of inconsolable
1590–1600; < Latin inconsōlābilis. See in- 3, consolable ( def. )
Explanation
Someone inconsolable can't be comforted because they're extremely sad and despairing. To console someone is to comfort them with kind words, hugs, or otherwise. When someone is inconsolable, they’re so upset that all the words and hugs in the world are ineffective. An inconsolable person can't be consoled. People are inconsolable after horrible things happen, like the death of a family member or a friend. Some people are inconsolable after losing their jobs or suffering disappointments. If you're depressed, you could be inconsolable. This is a strong word for extreme sadness.
Vocabulary lists containing inconsolable
Refugee
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
An inconsolable Solberg remained in his car for some time at the end of the stage before being encouraged to take to the podium by Gazoo Racing team principal Jari-Matti Latvala and team-mate Ogier.
From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026
By the time I was able to discuss the results with him, he had already imagined the worst-case scenario, and was inconsolable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
Feelings bubbled up uncontrollably: inconsolable howls in infancy, classroom meltdowns in childhood, rages in adolescence.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
Several groups of young men looked utterly inconsolable.
From Barron's ● Jan. 1, 2026
But once we officially sold our house and moving day came around, I was inconsolable.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
