English · Word Candidate

sorrow

/ˈsɒɹəʊ/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sorrows · sorrowing · sorrowed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

unhappiness, woe

Noun

But sorrow that is couch'd in seeming gladness Is like that mirth fate turns to sudden sadness.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

(usually in plural) An instance or cause of unhappiness.

Noun

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To feel or express grief.

Verb

‘Sorrow not, sir,’ says he, ‘like those without hope.’

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To feel grief over; to mourn, regret.

Verb

It is impossible to make a man naturally blind, to conceive that he seeth not; impossible to make him desire to see, and sorrow his defect.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “sorrow” mean?

unhappiness, woe

Is “sorrow” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.