inconsolable

USAGE SUMMARY

"inconsolable" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective meaning unable to be comforted, and can usually be found in the context of grief or sorrow. Example sentence: My brother was inconsolable after his beloved dog died.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much loved yet little read, for almost a century this strange, earnest and inconsolable novel has haunted the fringes of fiction.

The Economist

He realised his blunder and was inconsolable.

The Guardian

Rebecca is inconsolable.

The Economist

Inspired, he sought material closer to home to write about.If delight in the variety and unpredictability of human nature first prompted him to take up pen, the experience of inconsolable grief was the wellspring to which his art returned again and again.

The Economist

James Grant, a financial commentator, has called those years the "inconsolable era" of American finance.During that time the task will be to re-regulate finance.

The Economist

The town is populated by people "who are born to lead inconsolable lives", as is everyone in the Sebald universe, given that memory is inescapable and time is irreversible".Vertigo" ends with its narrator recalling how in a dream he had remembered fragments of Samuel Pepys's account of the Great Fire of London.

The Economist

The parents are inconsolable.

The Economist

Alex, they wrote, "has been gender-fluid for as long as we can remember, and at the moment he is equally passionate about and identified with soccer players and princesses, superheroes and ballerinas (not to mention lava and unicorns, dinosaurs and glitter rainbows)." They explained that Alex had recently become inconsolable about his parents' ban on wearing dresses beyond dress-up time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Atget's friend and executor André Calmettes said that Atget was inconsolable, but he continued to work for another year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We weren't good enough, that's the bottom line," he confessed after a 1-1 dragainstnSouth Korearea in his native Cardiff was followed by a 5-4 defeat on penalties, an inconsolable Daniel Sturridge having his kick saved by the Koreans' substitute goalkeeper Lee Bum-young.

Independent

Scotty's guitar part was almost invariably too damn complicated, he was trying too hard to sound like Chet Atkins – but then there was that strange sense of inconsolable desire in the voice, there was the unmistakable thrill of hearing free, unfettered emotion being conveyed without disguise or restraint.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inconsolable" to describe a state of profound grief that resists comfort, ensuring that the context clearly indicates the cause of the sorrow.

Common error

Avoid using "inconsolable" to describe reactions to minor disappointments. Reserve it for situations involving deep, persistent grief and loss, not temporary sadness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inconsolable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns or pronouns to describe a state of being unable to be comforted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aligns with standard grammatical rules and is often found in contexts of grief or sorrow.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inconsolable" is a grammatically sound adjective used to describe a state of profound and unyielding grief. As the Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify nouns, conveying an inability to be comforted. Predominantly found in News & Media, encyclopedias and scientific sources. It is important to note that using the term for temporary or minor setbacks can be an overstatement, as it implies a deeper and more lasting sorrow. Related terms include "disconsolate" and "heartbroken", and careful consideration of context will result in best usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disconsolate

This term is a direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of comfort or solace.

unconsolable

This is a variant of "inconsolable", with identical meaning and usage.

beyond consolation

This phrase emphasizes the impossibility of finding comfort.

heartbroken

This term focuses on the emotional pain and distress experienced.

grief-stricken

This phrase highlights the overwhelming impact of grief.

desolate

This describes a feeling of emptiness and abandonment.

wretched

This term emphasizes a state of extreme unhappiness or misery.

forlorn

This suggests a sense of being abandoned and lonely.

sorrowful

This term directly expresses the feeling of sorrow or sadness.

in deep mourning

Focuses on the external expression of grief and loss.

FAQs

How can I use "inconsolable" in a sentence?

You can use "inconsolable" to describe someone who is deeply saddened and unable to be comforted, such as: "She was "inconsolable" after the loss of her pet."

What words can I use instead of "inconsolable"?

Alternatives to "inconsolable" include "disconsolate", "heartbroken", or "grief-stricken", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "inconsolable" over a minor inconvenience?

While grammatically correct, using "inconsolable" for a minor inconvenience may be an overstatement. It's best reserved for situations of profound and lasting grief. Consider using words like "disappointed" or "upset" instead.

What's the difference between "inconsolable" and "sad"?

"Sad" is a general term for unhappiness, while "inconsolable" implies a deeper, more persistent grief that cannot be easily alleviated. Someone who is "inconsolable" is experiencing a profound level of sorrow.