persistent sadness
Ongoing emotional heaviness
Persistent sadness describes a state of unhappiness that lingers rather than passing naturally.
The phrase often appears in clinical contexts as a symptom of depression—sadness that continues for weeks or months without clear cause or relief: If you experience persistent sadness, talk to your doctor.
It distinguishes ordinary grief or disappointment from something that may require attention.
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- griefIntense sorrow from loss
- despairTotal absence of hope
- gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
- sorrowDeep emotional distress
dark cloud · heavy heart · heartache · heaviness · emptiness · empty inside · longing · ache · tears · hollow · numb · feeling down · low mood · weary · blue · deep blue · downcast · hopeless
persistent sadnessinner peace
Mental and emotional tranquility
joie de vivre · carefree spirit · levity · lightheartedness · zest for life
persist, persists, persisted, persisting, persistence, persistently, sadness, sadden, saddened