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

Dimitrov, 35, is surging through the field one year after heartache on Centre Court, while Fery, the British 23-year-old, has grabbed the opportunity afforded to him by the tournament with both hands. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026

But Swift will want that right carved out in her prenuptial agreement to avoid potential heartache, according to multiple family attorneys. — Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 3 July 2026

As World Cup knockout round games near, many American fans are leaning into the idea of a winning team after years of heartache. — Rick Maese, Washington Post, 27 June 2026

Ending the show with one final jump affirms that there’s no future in which the Landry family is done with time traveling, despite the trauma and heartache the pond has delivered with its gift. — Megan Vick, Variety, 22 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for heartache

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

Kids Definition

heartache

noun

heart·​ache ˈhärt-ˌāk 

: sorrow entry 1 sense 1a, anguish