noun

sorrow

/ˈsɑːroʊ/ · say it: SAR·oh

deep distress caused by loss

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (noun) a feeling of sadness or grief, often caused by loss or disappointment

2. (noun) an event or situation that causes sadness

Examples

1. She felt deep sorrow after her father passed away.
2. The family faced many sorrows during that difficult year.

How to use sorrow

Sorrow conveys a deeper, more dignified form of sadness than simple 'sadness,' often implying prolonged grief or profound emotion. It is more common in literary or formal contexts and frequently appears in discussions of loss, disappointment, or human suffering. Unlike 'grief,' which typically stems from bereavement, sorrow can result from various causes and has a more general emotional scope.

Common phrases

deep sorrow
drowning in sorrow
to one's sorrow
sorrow and regret
share someone's sorrow

Synonyms

sadness · grief · melancholy · anguish · woe

Opposites

joy · happiness · delight

Word family

sorrowful · sorrowfully · sorrowing

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'sorrow' too casually for minor disappointments; it is better reserved for significant emotional or painful experiences.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD