adj.
Pronunciation: ' d ō l-f ə l
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 \ -f ə -l ē \ adverb
– dole · ful · ness noun