heartache

noun

heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk 

: anguish of mind : sorrow

Synonyms of heartache

• sorrow
• grief
• anguish
• heartbreak

Examples of heartache in a Sentence

I've had more than my share of heartaches in my life.

the heartache she felt when she saw the innocent victims of the war

Recent Examples on the Web

There was no heartache Tuesday night at Truist Park in metro Atlanta. —Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 6 May 2026

After enduring nearly 10 months with the heartache of disastrous flooding that killed 28 people at the camp – 25 campers, two counselors and the camp’s director, Dick Eastland – days of hearings resulted in an unexpected decision by Camp Mystic’s leaders. —Andy Rose, CNN Money, 3 May 2026

Just a year ago, the Championship’s propensity for drama on the final day of the season brought stoppage-time ecstasy for Leeds United and heartache for Burnley. —Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Especially during this last year of pain & heartache. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heartache

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• earthquake
• eastlake
• forsake
• handshake
• headache

Kids Definition

heartache

noun

heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk 

: sorrow entry 1 sense 1a, anguish