English Reference

Word

grieving

Phoneticsgriev·ing

US/ˈɡɹivɪŋ/

UK/ɡɹˈiːvɪŋ/

Definitions

01feeling deep sorrow

B2

adj. feeling or showing great sadness because someone has died.

adj. feeling or expressing profound sorrow or distress, specifically following the death of a loved one or a significant loss.

“The grieving family asked for privacy while they dealt with their loss.”

“The grieving widow found solace in the community support she received during the difficult months following the accident.”

02the process of mourning

B2

n. the act of feeling and showing great sadness after a loss.

n. the psychological and emotional process of experiencing grief. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

“Grieving is a natural process that takes time for everyone.”

“Psychologists suggest that healthy grieving involves acknowledging the pain rather than suppressing it to meet social expectations.”

Synonyms

Real-World Examples

“It’s a tragedy that a man has died, leaving a grieving family and friends behind.”
The Guardian · 21 Aug 2026
“He understands but of course he’s also grieving because he also lost his child.”
The Guardian · 18 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/grieving

English Reference