heartache

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heartache" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe emotional pain or distress, often related to love or loss. Example: "After the breakup, she felt a deep heartache that lingered for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If any player can soothe the Demon heartache that came when No2 pick Christian Petracca suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first months of his career, you'd think it's the young man who followed him by one place in the national draft.

The Guardian - Sport

Inspired by these old, dark tales I piled on the heartache, not an easy sell for a children's story (the heroine, a little girl, is eventually imprisoned and comes to a terrible end).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even so, for an Idol junkie like me (I've watched the show since season one, when Kelly Clarkson was crowned America's newest pop princess), there was more than a little heartache in the announcement.

The Guardian - Music

Having been dumped out of the Europa League by Fiorentina last week, Spurs suffered cup final heartache at the hands of Chelsea at the weekend but don't have time to feel sorry for themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

There is nothing that I can ever say or do to ease their heartache".

The Guardian

There is evidence, though, that rehashing your heartache is helpful.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It did record business for the museum – but also caused record heartache because the galleries were so thronged with people that it was almost impossible to see the pictures.

The Guardian - Arts

Of course, I'm glad for my own sake that she did have children, but sorry to have been the source of so much worry, pain and heartache.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Exercise – at least if you believe minor celebrities, yoga gurus (there are set workouts for heartache), and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, all of whom claim it reduces feelings of sadness and anger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The former Lib Dem MP, a friend of Kennedy's, drew attention to the loneliness and heartache often experienced by MPs after they lose their seats, and called for more support for politicians with mental health issues.

The Guardian

After suffering heartache in each of their previous nine play-off campaigns, North End fans will head to Wembley in two weeks' time to face either Swindon or Sheffield United with trepidation.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heartache", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. It suggests a deep, often lingering sorrow, so ensure it aligns with the context.

Common error

Avoid using "heartache" in situations that are only mildly upsetting or disappointing. It's a strong term best reserved for significant emotional distress.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heartache" is that of a noun, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It names a state of emotional suffering, and Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heartache" is a commonly used noun to describe intense emotional pain or distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts, signaling its relevance across various registers. To ensure clarity and impact, it's best used when conveying significant emotional suffering. Consider alternative terms like "emotional pain" or "sorrow" for nuanced expressions. Avoiding its overuse in trivial situations will maintain its intended emotional weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emotional pain

Focuses on the physical sensation of pain caused by emotions.

sorrow

Emphasizes deep sadness and regret.

grief

Highlights the intense mourning and bereavement associated with loss.

anguish

Conveys extreme mental or physical suffering.

distress

Indicates a state of worry, anxiety, or suffering.

suffering

General term for the state of experiencing pain or hardship.

agony

Denotes intense physical or mental suffering.

broken heart

Specifically refers to the emotional pain caused by the end of a romantic relationship.

bitterness

Highlights the resentment and disappointment associated with a negative experience.

woe

Expresses great sorrow or distress.

FAQs

How can I use "heartache" in a sentence?

"Heartache" is a noun that describes emotional suffering or distress. For example, "The breakup caused her immense heartache."

What's a less intense synonym for "heartache"?

If "heartache" feels too strong, consider using milder terms such as "disappointment", "sadness", or "unhappiness" depending on the context.

What are some common causes of "heartache"?

"Heartache" is often associated with loss, rejection, or disappointment in love, but it can also stem from grief, betrayal, or any deeply upsetting experience.

Is "heartache" a formal or informal word?

"Heartache" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing significant emotional pain. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding tone than the setting.