mournfully

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It reminds me of the old joke about the guy in the Wild West who, before he was hanged for horse stealing, said “This will be a real lesson to me,” mournfully, from the scaffold.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

In the end, the police officers present at the march kept a discreet presence, looking on mournfully at a party from which they were excluded.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025

I observed her and rather mournfully said, "She'll never be a scientist.’"Don mulled this over for a second then cheerily countered, "Ah, but she will be a philosopher."

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2025

She paused, and added mournfully, “I was flabbergasted.”

From Slate • Jul. 30, 2024

“Your own child,” Mama said, shaking her head mournfully, but she did not argue.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie