Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sad-sack

noun
/sæd-sæk/
Definition
A person who is unhappy or unsuccessful, often perceived as pitiful or self-pitying.
Examples
  • Despite his talent, he often felt like a sad-sack, unable to find happiness in his successes.
  • After losing his job, he started to act like a sad-sack, isolating himself from friends and family.
  • She had little patience for sad-sacks and preferred to surround herself with positive people.
Meaning
The term ‘sad-sack’ refers to someone who is seen as continually downcast or defeated, someone who tends to wallow in their misfortunes rather than taking action to improve their situation.
Synonyms
  • loser
  • wretch
  • downer
  • mope
  • pitiful person