The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

woeful

IPA:

Dictionary definition of woeful

Marked by deep sorrow, sadness, or grief.
"The team's woeful record reflected their lack of skill and coordination."

Detailed meaning of woeful

It signifies a profound and overwhelming sense of distress or unhappiness. When something is described as woeful, it implies a significant degree of despair or disappointment. This adjective evokes emotions of profound melancholy, conveying a sense of sorrowful despair that can be associated with personal loss, unfortunate circumstances, or a general sense of gloominess. The word "woeful" encapsulates a somber and mournful tone, often indicating a state of extreme unhappiness or misery. It is a poignant adjective that portrays a profound depth of sadness and evokes empathy for those experiencing such profound distress.

Example sentences containing woeful

1. The woeful expression on her face revealed the depth of her sorrow.
2. He delivered a woeful performance, forgetting his lines and stumbling through the entire play.
3. Despite their best efforts, they were met with woeful failure at every turn.
4. The woeful news of his passing left everyone in a state of mourning.
5. The abandoned house stood in a woeful state, with broken windows and overgrown weeds.
6. She gazed out the window with a woeful look, longing for brighter days.

History and etymology of woeful

The adjective 'woeful' derives from the root word 'woe,' which has its origins in Old English 'wā,' conveying a sense of grief, affliction, or misfortune. In the evolution of language, 'woeful' emerged as an extension of 'woe' in Middle English, denoting a state or condition characterized by deep sorrow, sadness, or grief. It is used to describe situations or circumstances that bring about profound emotional distress or unhappiness. Thus, 'woeful' aptly captures the essence of being marked by sorrow and is a testament to the enduring linguistic connection between sorrow and the word 'woe.'

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Further usage examples of woeful

1. The woeful music playing in the background perfectly matched the somber atmosphere.
2. The homeless man's woeful plea for help touched the hearts of passersby.
3. The company's woeful financial situation forced them to lay off several employees.
4. The students' woeful test scores reflected a lack of preparation and understanding.
5. The woeful tale of unrequited love left her heartbroken and in tears.
6. His woeful expression revealed the depth of his sorrow.
7. The news of the accident brought a woeful atmosphere.
8. The movie's ending was unexpectedly woeful.
9. She received a woeful diagnosis but remained hopeful.
10. The singer's woeful ballad struck a chord with the audience.
11. Their woeful faces mirrored the tragedy they had witnessed.
12. The weather forecast predicted a woeful day of rain.
13. The historian recounted the woeful events of the war.
14. The athlete's injury led to a woeful season for the team.
15. The student's grades were a source of woeful disappointment.
16. The abandoned puppy had a woeful look in its eyes.
17. The novel's protagonist faced a series of woeful challenges.
18. The economic downturn had a woeful impact on families.
19. The musician's woeful lyrics resonated with many listeners.
20. The teacher offered comfort for the students' woeful loss.
21. The country endured a period of woeful political turmoil.
22. The actor delivered a woeful monologue with great emotion.
23. The artist's woeful painting conveyed a sense of despair.
24. The abandoned building had a woeful, eerie atmosphere.
25. The traveler's tale was filled with woeful mishaps.