abject sadness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abject sadness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep, extreme, or utter form of sadness, often conveying a sense of hopelessness or despair. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's passing, she was overwhelmed by abject sadness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Or the abject sadness that dancer Aliona Vilani must feel every time a move requires her partner Gregg Wallace to get really hands-on.

Independent

Though she seems frustrated, that quickly turns into abject sadness.

Huffington Post

It's where brides-to-be compete in "wedding-themed" challenges, and the winner gets -- you guessed it -- extensive plastic surgery to, presumably, make her look tolerable on her Very Special Day™ and less like a walking slab of abject sadness willing to humiliate herself, her family and her fiancé on national television at the expense of her lost and bewildered soul.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

When Joy died, of bone cancer, a few years later, he was abject with sadness, and it produced "A Grief Portrayed," one of the finest books written about mourning.

The New Yorker

Surrendering to Akihabara's charms, Colin finds an endless array of simple pleasures...... as well as some more complicated sadness, and a few abject horrors.

The New Yorker

The French interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, called it "an abject terrorist attack" and expressed his "infinite sadness" at the killings.

The Guardian

Who better to adapt A Series of Unfortunate Events, which is a cavalcade of abject misery — a binge, if you will, of sadness and woe?" His penchant for hyperbole is on the money here: A Series of Unfortunate Events is perfect for Netflix.

Vice

That was abject cowardice".

The New Yorker

Of all the abject illusions!

The New Yorker

And sadness.

The New Yorker

Tyson wept, abject and philosophical.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject sadness" to describe an overwhelming sense of despair or sorrow, particularly when emphasizing a complete loss of hope or a sense of utter devastation. It's most effective when you want to convey a feeling that is beyond ordinary sadness.

Common error

Avoid using "abject sadness" in everyday situations where a simpler expression of sadness would suffice. The intensity of the phrase is best reserved for situations involving profound grief or significant loss, not minor disappointments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject sadness" functions as a descriptive expression, where "abject" intensifies the noun "sadness". It paints a vivid picture of a state of extreme sorrow or despair. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form, emphasizing its role in expressing profound emotional depth.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abject sadness" is a powerful phrase used to describe a profound and overwhelming sense of despair. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically sound and particularly effective in contexts where conveying deep emotional suffering is crucial. While its usage is relatively rare, it’s most commonly found in news and media, signaling its suitability for serious and formal communication. When using this phrase, remember that its intensity is best reserved for situations involving extreme grief or loss. Consider alternatives like "profound grief" or "utter despair" for similar but slightly nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound grief

Replaces sadness with grief, suggesting a deeper and more intense emotional suffering.

utter despair

Emphasizes the completeness of hopelessness, shifting focus from emotion to state of mind.

deep sorrow

A more common and general expression of sadness, lacking the intensity of "abject sadness".

crushing despondency

Highlights the overwhelming nature of the sadness, emphasizing a loss of courage or hope.

unmitigated gloom

Focuses on the pervasive and unrelieved nature of the sadness, highlighting the lack of joy or hope.

boundless sorrow

Indicates sadness without limits, emphasizes its vastness and depth.

extreme melancholy

Uses a more formal term for sadness, suggesting a prolonged and thoughtful state of unhappiness.

unrelieved anguish

Focuses on continuous and intense suffering, both mental and emotional.

heartrending despair

Emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow, suggesting a deeply affecting sense of hopelessness.

hopeless dejection

Stresses the absence of hope and the feeling of being cast down in spirit.

FAQs

How can I use "abject sadness" in a sentence?

You can use "abject sadness" to describe a state of extreme sorrow or despair, such as, "The news of the disaster filled the nation with "abject sadness"".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "abject sadness"?

Alternatives to "abject sadness" include "profound grief", "utter despair", or "deep sorrow" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "abject sadness" a formal or informal expression?

"Abject sadness" is a relatively formal expression. While grammatically correct, it is more suited to serious or literary contexts than casual conversation.

What is the difference between "abject sadness" and "deep sadness"?

"Abject sadness" implies a more profound and overwhelming sense of despair than "deep sadness". "Abject" emphasizes the extreme or wretched nature of the sorrow.