What does inconsolable mean?
Inconsolable means too grief-stricken or distressed to be comforted. The word is especially associated with intense sorrow, such as the loss of a loved one, a serious separation, or another profound disappointment. It can describe a person, as in 'an inconsolable child,' or a feeling, as in 'inconsolable grief.' The expression is more literary and emotionally charged than the everyday phrase 'cannot stop crying,' suggesting that consolation has little effect. Though it is often used for children and for people at a funeral, it can apply to anyone in a state of deep distress. The related noun inconsolability names the quality of being unable to be consoled, while the adverb inconsolably describes how someone acts or feels.
adjectiveSo deeply distressed that one cannot be comforted or consoled. It describes a person, feeling, or situation marked by overwhelming grief or sorrow.
- So distressed by grief or sorrow that one cannot be comforted.
"She was inconsolable after the sudden death of her closest friend."
"The children remained inconsolable long after their father had left the room."
"The loss left the community inconsolable, and the memorial service was held in silence."
Inconsolable names grief that words cannot touch: when consolation itself seems useless.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inconsolable come from?
Inconsolable was formed in English in the early modern period from the Latin negative prefix in- and a form related to Latin consolari, meaning 'to comfort' or 'to console.' Its underlying Latin adjective inconsolabilis literally meant 'not capable of being comforted.' English developed the word alongside related forms such as console, consolable, and consolation, all of which continue to reflect the Latin root consolari.
Related word forms
How inconsolable is actually used
This is a formal and literary word. It is more intense than simply 'sad' and commonly refers to profound grief, although it can also describe anyone who cannot be comforted.
Easily confused with inconsolable
Both words mean impossible or very difficult to comfort, but 'inconsolable' is the standard and more established form in modern English.