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Glite Dictionary
inconsolability

inconsolability

9.3
Unable to be comforted after a sad loss
  • noun
  • /ˌɪnkənˈsoʊləˌbɪlɪti/
translation icon : inconsolabilidad
  • His inconsolability after the breakup made it difficult for him to focus on anything else.

Examples

  • "... no parent can see his or her little child tearing his hair out and crying, crying in his inconsolability, because he is unable to express himself.

    Blog text (25)

  • The news of the tragedy left the community in a state of profound inconsolability.

  • After the loss of her pet, she was engulfed in inconsolability for weeks.

Synonyms

disconsolation
vsinconsolability
9.3

A feeling of deep sadness that nothing can comfort

is the same state but phrased as reducing sadness rather than cheering
disconsolateness
vsinconsolability
9.9

A deep sadness that nothing can comfort

is similar but does not necessarily imply extreme hopelessness

How Consolable

sadness
229 1.0
grief
443 2.1
inconsolability
9.3
despair
210 3.5

Surface Forms

inconsolability singular
inconsolabilities plural

Morphology

inconsolability = inconsolable (transparent) = in + console + able + ity

The noun is formed regularly from the adjective 'inconsolable' with '-ity' meaning the state or quality of being inconsolable.

Etymology

Inconsolability starts with in- meaning 'not', has console (as in consolation) meaning 'comfort', and the ending -ability showing a state. So, inconsolability literally means the state of 'not being able to be comforted', which is why we use it for deep, lasting sadness.