sad
/sæd/ (bre, ipa) · /sæd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsad/ (ame, mw) · /ˌes.eɪˈdiː/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌes.eɪˈdiː/ (ame, ipa)
sad — adjective
- sadpositive
- saddercomparative
- saddestsuperlative
1. feeling or showing unhappiness, especially when something bad or disappointing h
feeling or showing unhappiness, especially when something bad or disappointing happens
Christopher felt very sad when his dog ran away from home.
feel + sad + when-clause
The sad news about the earthquake made the whole neighbourhood worry.
sad + noun (attributive)
It was a sad moment when Talia moved to a different city.
Élise's sad eyes told her mother that something was wrong at school.
The children looked sad about leaving the playground so early.
- unhappy
the most direct synonym; interchangeable in most contexts but slightly less emotional
- upset
implies disturbance or worry rather than deep unhappiness
- heartbroken
much stronger; used for extreme sadness like losing a loved one
- down
informal; suggests a temporary low mood, not deep grief
文法句型
be + sad
feel + sad
sad + about + noun/-ing
sad + (that) + clause
it is sad + that-clause
用法筆記
Commonly used with prepositions 'about' (a specific event) or 'for' (a person). The pattern 'I am sad to say/report' is a fixed expression used to introduce bad news politely.
常見錯誤
2. looking worse than expected because of a lack of care or attention — used about
looking worse than expected because of a lack of care or attention — used about buildings, gardens, furniture, or other objects
The old house looked sad with its broken windows and overgrown garden.
look + sad (of a place)
Felipe's bicycle stood sad and rusty behind the shed for years.
The playground was a sad sight, with rusted swings and a broken slide.
The tourists drove past a sad little shop that had been closed for a long time.
- shabby
specifically about worn-out clothes or furniture from heavy use
- neglected
emphasises that someone failed to care for the thing
- dilapidated
stronger; describes buildings that are falling apart
文法句型
sad + noun
look + sad
a sad + state/condition/sight
用法筆記
Frequently used before the nouns 'sight', 'state', or 'condition' to describe something that looks worn down. Cannot be used for people in this sense.
常見錯誤
3. causing disappointment or regret because it is not satisfactory or acceptable —
causing disappointment or regret because it is not satisfactory or acceptable — for example, a situation, outcome, or fact that one wishes were different
It is sad that the local library had to close because of budget cuts.
it is sad + that-clause
The team's performance was a sad excuse for their usual high standards.
Hoa described the sad state of the town's only park during the meeting.
His decision to drop out of school was a sad waste of talent.
- regrettable
more formal; focuses on wishing things had been different
- unfortunate
slightly milder; a common alternative in news and reports
- deplorable
formal and strong; suggests moral disapproval
- fortunate
bringing good luck or a positive outcome
- praiseworthy
deserving admiration or approval
文法句型
it is sad + that-clause
a sad + noun (state/affair/end)
sad + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: here the speaker is criticising a situation as disappointing or shameful, not necessarily feeling personal sorrow. The pattern 'a sad state of affairs' is a common fixed expression.
常見錯誤
4. used as a polite or gentle way to introduce bad news, an unfortunate fact, or an
used as a polite or gentle way to introduce bad news, an unfortunate fact, or an unwelcome truth — often in the fixed phrase 'sad to say' or 'I am sad to report that'
I am sad to say that the restaurant will close its doors next month.
I am sad to say + that-clause
Sad to report, the historic bridge was destroyed in the recent flood.
Roya was sad to learn that her favourite author would not write any more books.
We are sad to inform passengers that Flight 342 has been cancelled.
- unfortunately
the standard adverb equivalent; less personal but more common in writing
- alas
literary or old-fashioned; expresses sorrow or pity
- regrettably
formal; focuses on the fact being regrettable
- happily
used to introduce good news
- fortunately
used to introduce a positive outcome
文法句型
(I am) sad + to say/report/inform
sad to say/relate
用法筆記
This is a formulaic expression used at the start of a statement to soften bad news. Unlike sense 1, the speaker may not feel actual sadness — the phrase is a politeness convention. Common in formal announcements, letters, and news reports.
常見錯誤
5. not fashionable, interesting, or impressive; looking or feeling uncool — used es
not fashionable, interesting, or impressive; looking or feeling uncool — used especially by young people about clothes, music, activities, or social status
Mert thought his old jacket looked sad compared to his friends' stylish clothes.
Wearing last year's school uniform made Ayana feel a bit sad at the party.
feel + sad (informal, meaning uncool)
The kids called the old video game sad because nobody played it anymore.
Léa called the party music sad and asked the DJ to play newer songs.
文法句型
be + sad
look + sad
a sad + noun
用法筆記
This sense is informal slang, common among teenagers and young adults. It often carries a judgmental tone. Avoid in formal writing or professional contexts.
常見錯誤
sad — noun
1. a type of depression that happens at the same time each year, usually in winter
a type of depression that happens at the same time each year, usually in winter when there is less natural sunlight — full form: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Many people in northern countries suffer from SAD during the long winter months.
suffer from SAD
Doctors often recommend special lamps that mimic sunlight to treat SAD.
Sophia was diagnosed with SAD after feeling tired and sad every November for years.
Research shows that SAD affects women more often than men.
文法句型
SAD
suffer from SAD
be diagnosed with SAD
用法筆記
Usually written in all capital letters as 'SAD', although it is not an acronym that is spelled out. The full name 'seasonal affective disorder' is often explained on first use in a text.
常見錯誤
sad — abbreviation
1. short written form of Seasonal Affective Disorder — a medical condition in which
short written form of Seasonal Affective Disorder — a medical condition in which a person experiences depression during the winter because of reduced daylight
SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition linked to winter daylight.
SAD stands for...
The doctor explained that SAD can be managed with light therapy and exercise.
Patients with SAD often feel more energetic when they sit near a bright lamp each morning.
The abbreviation SAD appears in many medical brochures about winter depression.
文法句型
SAD stands for...
SAD is a condition...
用法筆記
This entry shows the abbreviation form only. For full definition and examples, see the noun entry for SAD.