yearning
2 synonyms for yearning, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A deep, wistful longing for something.
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 yearning
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a deep yearning
yearning for something
Etymology
From Old English ġierning, the noun form of "yearn."
Full origin of yearning →Frequently asked questions
What does “yearning” mean?
The word “yearning” means a deep, wistful longing for something. In plain terms, a strong, often bittersweet desire for something out of reach.
How do you pronounce “yearning”?
“Yearning” is pronounced YUR-nihng (/ˈjɝnɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “yearning” in a sentence?
Here is “yearning” used in a sentence: “A yearning for home crept over him as winter set in.”
What part of speech is “yearning”?
“Yearning” is a noun.
Where does the word “yearning” come from?
The word “yearning” comes from Old English. From Old English ġierning, the noun form of "yearn.".
Is “yearning” a common word?
“Yearning” is an uncommon word in modern English.
