Word
saddest
Phoneticssad·dest, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsædəst/
UK/sˈædəst/
Definition
adj. feeling the most unhappy or showing the most sorrow compared to everyone or everything else. It is the form of 'sad' you use for the extreme limit.
adj. the superlative form of 'sad', indicating the highest degree of sorrow, unhappiness, or unfortunate circumstances. Follows standard superlative syntax, typically preceded by the definite article.
Examples
“That was the saddest movie I have ever seen.”
“The saddest part of the story is when the two main characters finally lose touch after years of friendship.”
“Historians often point to the final chapter of the memoir as the saddest passage, as it details the author's profound sense of isolation during his final years.”
Examples
simple
“That was the saddest movie I have ever seen.”
contextual
“The saddest part of the story is when the two main characters finally lose touch after years of friendship.”
complex
“Historians often point to the final chapter of the memoir as the saddest passage, as it details the author's profound sense of isolation during his final years.”
Usage
Superlative form of 'sad'. Typically preceded by 'the' and followed by a noun or used after a linking verb.
Pitfall
the most saddest
the saddest
Double superlatives are incorrect; because 'sad' is a one-syllable word, it takes the '-est' ending instead of 'most'.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/saddest