Profound sadness

USAGE SUMMARY

"profound sadness" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use this phrase to describe an emotion felt after experiencing a difficult situation or a deep personal loss. For example, "After the death of her husband, she felt a profound sadness that stayed with her for months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Profound sadness remains.

The New York Times

That's really a lot of profound sadness.

The New York Times - Books

I also developed a profound sadness.

The New York Times

Chris Field: My main reaction is one of profound sadness.

Stanford University

But there is also a profound sadness to the satire.

Columbia University

I felt nothing but profound sadness, disappointment and unresolved anger.

The Guardian

Dr. Khader believes that profound sadness led to Ruti's miscarriage.

The New York Times

With major depression, there is a profound sadness or a sense of despair.

Harvard University

With profound sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved Efry z'l.

The New York Times

For them, it is not meaningful, and that's part of this story's profound sadness.

The New York Times

It is with profound sadness that the Cava family mourns Laura's passing on August 24, 2010.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "profound sadness", consider adding specific details about the cause or object of the sadness to enhance the reader's understanding and empathy.

Common error

Avoid using "profound sadness" to describe minor disappointments or inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant emotional weight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound sadness" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "profound" modifies the noun "sadness". It describes a state of deep and intense sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "profound sadness" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a deep and lasting emotional state. Ludwig AI indicates its validity and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and academic sources, this phrase effectively conveys intense sorrow, often stemming from significant loss or tragedy. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations that warrant a strong emotional response, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Alternatives such as "deep sorrow" or "intense grief" offer similar connotations, each with nuanced differences in emphasis. By understanding its appropriate usage and available alternatives, writers can effectively communicate the depth of emotional experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep sorrow

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the sadness.

intense grief

Focuses on the grief aspect, often associated with loss.

deep melancholy

Highlights a more prolonged and reflective state of sadness.

acute despair

Conveys a sense of hopelessness and loss of control.

heartfelt sorrow

Implies genuine and sincere sadness felt deeply.

overwhelming grief

Suggests that the grief is so strong that it's difficult to cope with.

abject misery

Highlights the wretched and hopeless nature of the sadness.

unutterable sorrow

Emphasizes the sorrow is too great or intense to be expressed in words.

consuming grief

Indicates grief that takes over one's thoughts and actions.

bitter disappointment

Highlights the element of disappointment intertwined with sadness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "profound sadness" in a sentence?

Use "profound sadness" to convey a lasting and intense feeling of sorrow, typically stemming from a significant loss or tragedy. For example, "The news of the disaster filled her with "profound sadness"".

What are some alternatives to "profound sadness"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "deep sorrow", "intense grief", or "deep melancholy" to express similar feelings.

Is it appropriate to use "profound sadness" in formal writing?

Yes, "profound sadness" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant emotional distress. It is often used in news reports, academic papers, and formal statements.

What distinguishes "profound sadness" from regular sadness?

"Profound sadness" implies a deeper, more intense, and long-lasting emotional experience compared to ordinary sadness. It suggests a significant impact on one's emotional state and overall well-being.