What Is Another Way to Say “Very Sad”?

Looking for synonyms for very sad? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say very sad.

  • Heartbroken
  • Devastated
  • Grief-stricken
  • Despondent
  • Mournful
  • Sorrowful
  • Woeful
  • Melancholic
  • Dismayed
  • Distraught
  • Downcast
  • Depressed
  • Forlorn
  • Gloomy
  • Dejected
  • Disconsolate
  • Bereft
  • Pained
  • Blue
  • Downhearted

Want to learn how to say very sad professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Heartbroken

Appropriate Use: For intense emotional pain or distress, often due to a significant loss or disappointment.
Example: The team was heartbroken after the cancellation of the project they had worked on for years.

2. Devastated

Appropriate Use: Indicates overwhelming sadness or grief, usually due to a major setback or loss.
Example: She was devastated when the company announced major layoffs.

3. Grief-stricken

Appropriate Use: Suitable for expressing profound sorrow, especially due to bereavement.
Example: The staff was grief-stricken upon hearing about the loss of their former CEO.

4. Despondent

Appropriate Use: For a state of being in low spirits due to loss of hope or courage.
Example: He became despondent after his proposal was repeatedly rejected.

5. Mournful

Appropriate Use: Indicates expressing sorrow or being full of grief.
Example: There was a mournful atmosphere in the office following the news of the tragic accident.

6. Sorrowful

Appropriate Use: Suitable for a feeling of deep sadness or regret.
Example: The team felt sorrowful after the departure of their esteemed colleague.

7. Woeful

Appropriate Use: For a situation characterized by misery or misfortune.
Example: The woeful performance of the company last quarter led to drastic changes.

8. Melancholic

Appropriate Use: Indicates a deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.
Example: His melancholic demeanor was noticeable after the project’s failure.

9. Dismayed

Appropriate Use: Suitable for expressing disappointment and distress.
Example: The team was dismayed by the unexpected cancellation of the program.

10. Distraught

Appropriate Use: For being deeply upset and agitated, especially as a result of something overwhelming.
Example: She was distraught upon learning about the critical feedback from clients.

11. Downcast

Appropriate Use: Indicates being disheartened or in low spirits.
Example: The manager appeared downcast after the challenging board meeting.

12. Depressed

Appropriate Use: For a state of general unhappiness or despondency.
Example: He seemed depressed after his idea was not well-received during the meeting.

13. Forlorn

Appropriate Use: Indicates feeling hopeless or abandoned.
Example: The forlorn expression on her face revealed her disappointment with the job rejection.

14. Gloomy

Appropriate Use: Suitable for a mood of despair or pessimism.
Example: The office atmosphere turned gloomy following the quarterly financial losses.

15. Dejected

Appropriate Use: For feeling sad and dispirited.
Example: The team felt dejected after their proposal was overlooked.

16. Disconsolate

Appropriate Use: Indicates being unable to be consoled or comforted.
Example: She was disconsolate after the failure of her first major project.

17. Bereft

Appropriate Use: Suitable for feeling a sense of loss or deprivation.
Example: He felt bereft when his mentor left the company.

18. Pained

Appropriate Use: Indicates feeling distressed or troubled.
Example: She looked pained during the discussions about the company downsizing.

19. Blue

Appropriate Use: An informal term for feeling sad or depressed.
Example: The whole team felt blue after hearing about the project’s discontinuation.

20. Downhearted

Appropriate Use: Suitable for feeling dejected or disheartened.
Example: The staff was downhearted when the holiday bonuses were canceled.

Linda Brown