English · Word Candidate

sympathy

/ˈsɪm.pəθ.i/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: sympathies

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A feeling of pity or sorrow for the suffering or distress of another.

Noun

Examples

If you want sympathy you’ll find it in the dictionary between shit and syphilis. Sympathy may pay well in the short term, but if you cash in on sympathy, it will take everything from you in the long run.

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).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

A feeling of pity or sorrow for the suffering or distress of another. — The formal expression of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune.

Noun

Examples

While you'll probably have her sympathies if your condominium association wants to preapprove your storm door, you'll need to work harder for her support if your boss at the music megastore demands you grow a goatee to help lend the place some indie cred.

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).

Common questions

What does “sympathy” mean?

A feeling of pity or sorrow for the suffering or distress of another.

Is “sympathy” formal or informal?

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