inconsolable
in-kun-SOH-luh-bul
/ˌɪn.kənˈsəʊ.lə.bəl/
Incapable of being comforted or consoled; overwhelmed by grief.
Indicates grief so deep that no soothing words, sympathy, or distraction can reach or lighten it.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'in-' (not) and 'consolari' (to soothe completely). When someone is inconsolable, their emotional wounds are immune to external soothing.
Word relationships
- heartbroken: Heartbroken emphasizes deep emotional hurt, while inconsolable emphasizes the impossibility of providing comfort.
- despairing: Despairing emphasizes total loss of hope.
- solaced: Solaced means comforted and reassured in times of grief.
- appeased: Appeased means satisfied or calmed down.
Commonly confused with
- inconsolable: N/A
Word family
- inconsolably (adverb): In an inconsolable manner.
- console (verb): To comfort someone at a time of grief.
Collocations
- inconsolable grief
- left inconsolable
- inconsolable weeping
- virtually inconsolable
Idioms & expressions
- broken-hearted
Example sentences
- "The child was inconsolable for hours after her lost puppy could not be found." News report
- "When his wife died, he remained inconsolable, shutting himself off from friends for years." Literary biography
Memory hook
NO CONSOLE (gaming or comforting) can fix someone who is inconsolable. Beyond the reach of comfort.
When not to use
Do not use for temporary tantrums that can be resolved with a toy or snack.
Fun facts
- The root 'solari' also gives us 'solace' and 'consolation'.
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