1. the quality or state of being doleful; deep sadness or melancholy

Examples

• The dolefulness in her voice made it clear she was deeply upset.
• The old mansion had an air of dolefulness that made visitors uncomfortable.
• His dolefulness lifted when he heard the good news.
• The dolefulness of the funeral service reflected the community's grief.
• She tried to hide her dolefulness behind a forced smile.
• The dolefulness of the winter landscape matched his somber mood.