Main Entry: dole·ful

Pronunciation: \ˈdōl-fəl\

Function: adjective

Date: 13th century

1 : causing grief or affliction <a doleful loss>
2 : full of grief : cheerless <a doleful face>
3 : expressing grief : sad <a doleful melody>

— dole·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— dole·ful·ness noun