Top 48 Slang For Sadness – Meaning & Usage

Feeling blue? Need some words to express your melancholy? Look no further! We’ve gathered a collection of the top slang for sadness that will have you nodding in recognition and feeling understood. From the classic “down in the dumps” to the trendy “catching the feels,” this listicle is here to help you navigate the emotional rollercoaster and find solace in the power of words. So grab a tissue and get ready to explore the world of sadness slang!

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1. Bummer

This slang term is used to describe a situation that is disappointing or unpleasant.

For example, “It’s such a bummer that the concert got canceled.”
Someone might say, “I had a bummer of a day at work.”
Another person might comment, “Missing out on the party was a real bummer.”

2. Boohoo

This slang term is used to mock someone who is crying or complaining excessively, often in a sarcastic or dismissive manner.

For instance, “Oh, boohoo, you didn’t get what you wanted.”
Someone might say, “Stop boohooing about your problems and do something about them.”
Another person might comment, “She’s always boohooing about something.”

3. In a funk

This slang term is used to describe feeling down or in a bad mood.

For example, “I’ve been in a funk ever since I got the bad news.”
Someone might say, “I can’t seem to shake this funk I’m in.”
Another person might comment, “He’s been in a funk for weeks.”

4. Burst one’s bubble

This slang term is used to describe the act of shattering someone’s illusion or dreams by revealing the truth or a harsh reality.

For instance, “I hate to burst your bubble, but that idea won’t work.”
Someone might say, “Don’t burst my bubble, I’m enjoying this fantasy.”
Another person might comment, “She burst his bubble by telling him the truth.”

5. Soul sucking

This slang term is used to describe something or someone that is extremely draining or demoralizing, sucking the energy or life out of a person.

For example, “Working in that job was soul-sucking.”
Someone might say, “I can’t handle another soul-sucking meeting.”
Another person might comment, “That relationship was soul-sucking, I’m glad it’s over.”

6. In the dumps

This phrase is used to describe someone who is feeling down or experiencing a low mood. It implies a sense of being emotionally low or in a state of sadness.

For example, “After failing the exam, she was in the dumps for days.”
A person might say, “I’ve been in the dumps ever since my dog passed away.”
Someone might ask, “What’s got you in the dumps today?”

7. Butt-hurt

This term is used to describe someone who is easily offended or overly sensitive to criticism or negative comments. It implies a sense of being hurt or upset by something that may seem trivial to others.

For instance, “He got butt-hurt over a harmless joke.”
A person might say, “Stop being so butt-hurt about it, it was just a minor mistake.”
Someone might comment, “She’s always butt-hurt whenever someone disagrees with her.”

8. Down in the mouth

This phrase is used to describe someone who has a sad or unhappy expression. It implies a sense of feeling down or dejected.

For example, “She’s been down in the mouth ever since her breakup.”
A person might say, “I can tell you’re down in the mouth. Anything bothering you?”
Someone might comment, “He’s always down in the mouth, even on sunny days.”

9. Down in the dumps

Similar to “in the dumps,” this phrase is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely sad or depressed. It implies a deeper level of sadness or despair.

For instance, “She’s been down in the dumps since losing her job.”
A person might say, “He’s been down in the dumps ever since his pet passed away.”
Someone might comment, “I’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately, I could use some cheering up.”

10. Reduce to tears

This phrase is used to describe something that is so sad or emotional that it brings someone to tears. It implies a strong emotional impact.

For example, “The movie’s ending was so touching, it reduced me to tears.”
A person might say, “Her heartfelt speech reduced the audience to tears.”
Someone might comment, “The tragic news reduced him to tears.”

11. Lump in your throat

This phrase is used to describe the feeling of having a tightness or heaviness in the throat, often accompanied by the sensation of holding back tears. It is typically experienced when feeling sad or touched by something emotionally moving.

For example, “When she received the award, she had a lump in her throat and struggled to speak.”
A person might say, “The movie was so touching, it gave me a lump in my throat.”
Another might describe a heartwarming moment as, “It was such a beautiful gesture, it brought a lump to my throat.”

12. Feeling blue/to have the blues

This phrase is used to describe a state of sadness or melancholy. It can be used to express temporary feelings of sadness or a longer-lasting state of being down.

For instance, “I’ve been feeling blue ever since I lost my job.”
A person might say, “I have the blues today, I just can’t seem to shake off this feeling.”
Another might express their sadness by saying, “I’m feeling really blue right now, I just need some time alone.”

13. Face like a wet weekend

This phrase is used to describe someone’s facial expression when they look sad or downcast. It implies a lack of joy or happiness, similar to a rainy or gloomy weekend.

For example, “He walked into the room with a face like a wet weekend, clearly not in a good mood.”
A person might describe their own expression as, “I must have had a face like a wet weekend because everyone kept asking if I was okay.”
Another might comment on someone else’s expression by saying, “She had a face like a wet weekend, I wonder what’s bothering her.”

14. Fall to pieces

This phrase is used to describe the act of becoming emotionally unstable or breaking down under intense sadness or stress. It implies a loss of control over one’s emotions.

For instance, “When she heard the news, she fell to pieces and couldn’t stop crying.”
A person might say, “I feel like I’m falling to pieces, everything is just too much right now.”
Another might describe their emotional state by saying, “I can’t handle it anymore, I’m falling to pieces.”

15. Gutted

This term is used to describe a feeling of extreme disappointment or devastation. It implies a sense of emptiness or hollowness in the pit of one’s stomach.

For example, “I was absolutely gutted when I didn’t get the job I had been dreaming of.”
A person might say, “I felt completely gutted when I found out my partner had been cheating on me.”
Another might express their disappointment by saying, “I can’t believe we lost the game, I’m absolutely gutted.”

16. Melancholy

Melancholy is a state of deep sadness and gloom. It is often associated with a feeling of being down or low, and can be caused by various factors such as loss, loneliness, or disappointment.

For example, “She sat by the window, staring out with a sense of melancholy.”
A person might describe their mood as, “I’ve been feeling a bit melancholy lately.”
Someone might say, “The melancholy in his eyes was evident.”

17. Despondent

Despondent refers to a feeling of extreme hopelessness and despair. It is characterized by a deep lack of motivation or interest in life, often accompanied by sadness and a sense of being overwhelmed.

For instance, “She felt despondent after losing her job.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling so despondent lately, like there’s no point in anything.”
Someone might describe their mood as, “I woke up feeling despondent today.”

18. Gloomy

Gloomy describes a feeling of darkness and sadness. It is often associated with a sense of heaviness or oppression, and can be caused by factors such as bad weather, negative events, or a general sense of pessimism.

For example, “The gloomy weather matched her mood.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling a bit gloomy today, I don’t know why.”
Someone might describe their mood as, “I can’t shake off this gloomy feeling.”

19. Miserable

Miserable refers to a state of feeling extremely unhappy and discontent. It is characterized by a deep sense of dissatisfaction and can be caused by various factors such as loneliness, heartbreak, or a general sense of unhappiness.

For instance, “He was miserable after the breakup.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling miserable lately, nothing seems to make me happy.”
Someone might describe their mood as, “I feel so miserable, like I can’t escape this sadness.”

20. Dejected

Dejected describes a feeling of sadness and discouragement. It is often associated with a sense of defeat or disappointment, and can be caused by factors such as failure, rejection, or a general sense of being down.

For example, “She looked dejected after receiving the news.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling so dejected lately, like nothing is going right.”
Someone might describe their mood as, “I can’t shake off this dejected feeling.”

21. Blue

This slang term is often used to describe a feeling of sadness or melancholy.

For example, “I’ve been feeling blue ever since my dog passed away.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling a little blue today, I’m not sure why.”
In a song lyric, you might hear, “I’m so lonesome, I could cry, always feeling blue.”

22. Bummed out

When someone is “bummed out,” they are feeling down or disappointed about something.

For instance, “I was really bummed out when I didn’t get the job.”
A person might say, “I’m so bummed out that my favorite band canceled their concert.”
After a breakup, someone might express, “I’m feeling pretty bummed out right now.”

23. Sorrowful

This word describes a state of profound sadness or grief.

For example, “Her eyes were filled with sorrowful tears.”
A person might say, “I feel sorrowful for the loss of a loved one.”
In a poem, you might read, “The sorrowful moon watched over the lonely night.”

24. Melancholic

This term describes a state of deep sadness or pensive melancholy.

For instance, “The rainy weather made her feel melancholic.”
A person might say, “I often find myself in a melancholic mood when I listen to sad music.”
In a diary entry, you might read, “Today, I woke up feeling inexplicably melancholic.”

25. Wistful

When someone is feeling wistful, they are experiencing a mix of longing and sadness.

For example, “She looked out the window with a wistful expression, remembering her childhood.”
A person might say, “I feel wistful when I think about the summers spent at my grandparents’ house.”
In a novel, you might read, “As he watched the sunset, a wistful smile appeared on his face.”

26. Depressed

Feeling extremely sad, hopeless, and lacking motivation. “Depressed” is a common term used to describe a state of intense sadness or low mood.

For example, “I’ve been feeling really depressed lately, I just can’t seem to shake this feeling.”
A person might say, “I’m so depressed, I don’t even want to get out of bed.”
Someone might describe their experience as, “Depression feels like a heavy weight on my chest, making it hard to breathe.”

27. Crestfallen

Feeling extremely disappointed or saddened. “Crestfallen” refers to the feeling of having one’s spirits or hopes brought low.

For instance, “She looked crestfallen when she found out she didn’t get the job.”
A person might say, “I felt crestfallen when my favorite team lost the championship.”
Someone might describe their reaction as, “I was absolutely crestfallen when I received the rejection letter.”

28. Bereaved

Experiencing intense sorrow and grief due to the loss of a loved one. “Bereaved” is often used to describe someone who is mourning the death of someone close to them.

For example, “She is still deeply bereaved over the loss of her husband.”
A person might say, “The bereaved family gathered to remember their loved one.”
Someone might describe their experience as, “I am in the early stages of bereavement and it feels like a constant ache in my heart.”

29. Desolate

Feeling a deep sense of emptiness, loneliness, and sadness. “Desolate” describes a state of being in a bleak and dismal emotional condition.

For instance, “The abandoned house looked desolate, with broken windows and overgrown weeds.”
A person might say, “I felt desolate after my best friend moved away.”
Someone might describe their experience as, “Walking through the empty streets at night made me feel desolate and alone.”

30. Lonesome

Feeling lonely and disconnected from others. “Lonesome” refers to a state of being alone and longing for companionship or connection.

For example, “I’ve been feeling lonesome since my partner left for a business trip.”
A person might say, “Being in a new city where I don’t know anyone can be really lonesome.”
Someone might describe their experience as, “Sitting in my empty apartment, I couldn’t help but feel lonesome and isolated.”

31. Forlorn

Feeling or appearing sad and lonely, especially because of isolation or abandonment.

For example, “She sat in the corner, looking forlorn and forgotten.”
A person might describe their mood as, “I’ve been feeling forlorn lately, like no one understands me.”
In a book or movie, a character might be depicted as, “A forlorn figure, wandering the streets with no purpose.”

32. Morose

Feeling or showing a sullen and ill-tempered disposition.

For instance, “He had a morose expression on his face, as if he had just received bad news.”
A person might say, “I can’t stand being around him when he’s in a morose mood.”
In a story, a character might be described as, “His morose personality made it difficult for others to connect with him.”

33. Dismal

Causing a feeling of gloom or depression.

For example, “The weather outside was dismal, with dark clouds and constant rain.”
A person might describe a situation as, “The job market is looking dismal for recent graduates.”
In a review of a movie, one might say, “The film’s ending was quite dismal, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied.”

34. Sullen

Showing a brooding ill humor or silent resentment.

For instance, “She gave him a sullen look, refusing to speak to him.”
A person might say, “He’s been in a sullen mood all day, snapping at everyone.”
In a story, a character might be described as, “His sullen demeanor made it difficult for others to approach him.”

35. Woeful

Feeling or expressing great sorrow or distress.

For example, “She let out a woeful cry when she heard the tragic news.”
A person might say, “I had a woeful day at work, with everything going wrong.”
In a song or poem, the lyrics might convey a woeful tone, expressing deep sadness or anguish.

36. Tragic

This word is used to describe a situation or event that is extremely sad or unfortunate.

For example, “It’s tragic that so many people lost their homes in the natural disaster.”
A person might say, “The ending of that movie was so tragic, it made me cry.”
In a discussion about a historical event, someone might comment, “The loss of life during that war was truly tragic.”

37. Distressed

When someone is distressed, they are feeling extreme sadness or worry.

For instance, “She looked distressed when she heard the bad news.”
A person might say, “I’m feeling really distressed about my upcoming exam.”
In a conversation about a difficult situation, someone might comment, “I’m feeling distressed about the state of the world right now.”

38. Anguished

Anguished is used to describe a person who is experiencing intense emotional pain or suffering.

For example, “She had an anguished expression on her face after receiving the devastating news.”
A person might say, “I felt anguished when I found out my pet had passed away.”
In a discussion about a tragic event, someone might comment, “The anguished cries of the survivors could be heard throughout the night.”

39. Grief-stricken

Grief-stricken is a term used to describe someone who is deeply saddened and overwhelmed with grief.

For instance, “She was grief-stricken after the loss of her loved one.”
A person might say, “I felt completely grief-stricken when I heard the news of the accident.”
In a conversation about the death of a family member, someone might comment, “The whole family was grief-stricken and struggled to cope with the loss.”

40. Sappy

Sappy is a slang term used to describe something that is excessively sentimental or overly emotional.

For example, “The movie was so sappy, it made me cry.”
A person might say, “I don’t like sappy love songs, they’re too cheesy for me.”
In a discussion about a romantic gesture, someone might comment, “He wrote her a sappy love letter that made her swoon.”

41. Tearful

This term describes someone who is shedding tears or feeling inclined to cry. It is often used to express a deep sadness or emotional pain.

For example, “She was tearful after receiving the news of her grandmother’s passing.”
Someone might say, “I couldn’t help but become tearful while watching that heart-wrenching movie.”
A person might describe their own emotions by saying, “I feel tearful every time I think about the breakup.”

42. Low-spirited

This term refers to a feeling of being down or lacking in energy and enthusiasm. It is often used to describe a general state of sadness or melancholy.

For instance, “He seemed low-spirited after losing his job.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling low-spirited lately and can’t seem to shake it off.”
Someone might describe their mood by saying, “I woke up feeling low-spirited for no apparent reason.”

43. Downtrodden

This term describes someone who feels oppressed or treated unfairly, leading to a sense of sadness and powerlessness. It often conveys a sense of being crushed or beaten down.

For example, “The downtrodden workers protested against their inhumane working conditions.”
A person might say, “I feel downtrodden by the constant pressure and expectations of society.”
Someone might describe a character in a book as “a downtrodden soul who finds solace in art.”

44. Disheartened

This term refers to a feeling of discouragement or losing hope. It is often used to describe a state of sadness or disappointment due to a setback or failure.

For instance, “She felt disheartened after receiving yet another rejection letter.”
A person might say, “I’m disheartened by the lack of progress in my career.”
Someone might describe their emotions by saying, “I can’t help but feel disheartened when I see so much suffering in the world.”

45. Wretched

This term describes a state of extreme unhappiness or suffering. It is often used to convey a deep sense of sadness, despair, or anguish.

For example, “The wretched child cried out in hunger and pain.”
A person might say, “I feel wretched after the loss of my loved one.”
Someone might describe a situation as “a wretched display of greed and corruption.”

46. Blue-deviled

This term is used to describe feeling down or sad, often in a more lighthearted or humorous way. It suggests a temporary state of sadness.

For example, “I’ve been feeling blue-deviled since my favorite show got canceled.”
Someone might say, “I’m feeling a bit blue-deviled today, but I’m sure it’ll pass.”
In a conversation about a disappointing event, a person might mention, “I was blue-deviled when I didn’t get the job I wanted.”

47. Heavy-hearted

This term describes a feeling of deep sadness or sorrow. It implies a heavy emotional weight or burden.

For instance, “She felt heavy-hearted after the loss of her pet.”
A person might say, “I can’t help but feel heavy-hearted when I see the state of the world.”
In a discussion about a tragic event, someone might express, “I’m heavy-hearted thinking about all the lives lost.”

48. Sombre

This term describes a mood or atmosphere that is gloomy, dark, or somber. It suggests a feeling of sadness or seriousness.

For example, “The funeral had a sombre atmosphere.”
A person might say, “I feel so sombre after hearing the bad news.”
In a conversation about a sad occasion, someone might comment, “The room was filled with a sombre silence.”