# heartache

/ˈhɑɹˌteɪk/ (US) · /hˈɑːteɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/heartache
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a feeling of great sadness or emotional pain, usually because a relationship has ended or someone you love has died.

For teachers: a state of intense emotional distress or sorrow, typically resulting from unrequited love or the loss of a loved one.

## Examples

- The breakup caused her a lot of heartache.
- After years of heartache and failed attempts, the couple finally managed to adopt a child.
- The novel explores the profound heartache of a soldier returning to a home that no longer feels familiar after decades of conflict.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general state of sorrow; countable when referring to specific instances or causes of grief.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.