sadness
Americannoun
-
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.
-
an instance of sorrow.
How can you be so unaware of the sadnesses these children have experienced?
Etymology
Origin of sadness
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English sadnesse; sad ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )
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.
It’s a medicated but functioning limbo that Peet, in one of her best roles, conveys without the slightest trace of pity but with a coursing, wryly emotional intelligence that always reveals the sadness fueling it.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
When Simons quit, the prime minister said he accepted the resignation "with sadness", expressing his thanks "for the commitment, focus, and energy you have brought to ministerial office".
From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026
“It is with deep sadness that I share the heartbreaking news that Valerie has passed away,” Souther announced on social media.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026
“We are all sick because we carry this sadness for our country,” she said as she helped the dog into the back of a car that would drive them away.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
I asked Old Joseph, my voice husky with sadness.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
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.
