sadness

[sad-nis]

noun

1. the quality or state of being sad; sorrow.

   It’s frustrating to know the sadness you’re feeling and not be able to help you.

2. an instance of sorrow.

   How can you be so unaware of the sadnesses these children have experienced?

Word History and Origins

Origin of sadness¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English sadnesse; sad ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

For me, the first half of 2025 was filled with sadness and grief, so I decided to embark on a mission.

From Los Angeles Times

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my cousin, Ike Turner, Jr.,”

From Los Angeles Times

"It's the sadness around having to tell my mum - as an only child - and the implications that has for her."

From BBC

That soon turned into "a sense of sadness and grief" when she thought about her younger self and the "emotion that need not have been there had I known sooner".

From BBC

In an album that's largely concerned with contentment, the regret and sadness hit doubly hard.

From BBC

Related Words

• anguish 
• grief 
• heartache 
• heartbreak 
• hopelessness 
• melancholy 
• misery 
• mourning 
• poignancy 
• sorrow