heartache
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for heartache, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Deep emotional pain or sorrow, especially from losing or being separated from someone you love.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use heartache
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English roots meaning simply "heart" plus "ache" — a very old, literal way of describing emotional pain as if it were a physical pain in the chest.
Full origin of heartache →Frequently asked questions
What does “heartache” mean?
The word “heartache” means deep emotional pain or sorrow, especially from losing or being separated from someone you love. In plain terms, the lasting sadness you feel over lost love or a painful loss — more drawn-out than a single stab of grief.
How do you pronounce “heartache”?
“Heartache” is pronounced HAH-tayk (/ˈhɑːteɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “heartache” in a sentence?
Here is “heartache” used in a sentence: “Years after the divorce, she still felt a twinge of heartache when she saw his photos.”
What part of speech is “heartache”?
“Heartache” is a noun.
Where does the word “heartache” come from?
The word “heartache” comes from Old English. From Old English roots meaning simply "heart" plus "ache" — a very old, literal way of describing emotional pain as if it were a physical pain in the chest.
Is “heartache” a common word?
“Heartache” is an uncommon word in modern English.