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