sor·row·ful \-_rōfəl, -_rəf-\adjective Etymology: Middle English sorowful, from Old English sorgful, from sorg sorrow + -ful 1.: full of or characterized by sorrow < sorrowful widows > 2.: expressive of or inducing sorrow : sad < sorrowful tale > 3.: given to melancholy : plaintive < a sorrowful disposition >