Sadness: quick facts
Sadness is the basic emotion that signals loss, separation, or disappointment. When people are sad they tend to become quieter, less active, and more inward-looking, which can affect social and work life. Sadness is a…
Category
Basic emotions
Valence
Negative
Emotion family / blend
Sadness
Typical triggers
Loss, separation, disappointment, failure
How it's expressed
Downturned mouth, drooping eyelids, lowered gaze, withdrawal
Sources: Paul Ekman Group — Universal Emotions; American Psychological Association — APA Dictionary: emotion; National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — Depression. Educational information only — not medical or psychological advice. See our sources & fact-check policy.