Pronunciation: [wˈe͡ɪlfə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "wailful" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /ˈweɪlfʊl/. The first syllable "wai" is pronounced as in the word "way", and the second syllable "lfu" is pronounced as in the word "wolf". The spelling "ful" at the end of the word indicates a fullness or abundance of something, in this case, "wailing". "Wailful" is an adjective that describes something that is full of wailing or characterized by lamentation or mourning.
Wailful is an adjective that refers to the state or characteristic of wailing, which is a loud, mournful cry or lamentation expressing deep sorrow, grief, or pain. It describes something or someone that is prone to wailing or regularly emits loud and mournful sounds.
The term is derived from the verb "wail," which means to cry out loudly and mournfully, often in response to intense emotions such as anguish, despair, or grief. Wailing is a fervent expression of sorrow or distress, usually accompanied by sobbing or howling, and is often associated with mourning at funerals or during times of extreme bereavement.
When applied to a person, wailful suggests they are inclined to wailing, meaning they cry out in distress frequently or easily. It implies a tendency to express intense emotions vocally and openly. As an adjective, wailful can also describe the sound or quality of something that resembles a wail or is related to wailing. For example, a wailful sound may be characterized by a prolonged, high-pitched, and melancholic tone, evoking feelings of sadness or anguish.
In summary, wailful is an adjective used to describe someone or something closely associated with wailing, either through their behavior, sounds emitted, or attributes reminiscent of a mournful cry.
Sorrowful; mournful.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "wailful" is derived from the Old English word "wǣlful", which meant "full of wailing or lamentation". It is a combination of the words "wǣl" (meaning "wailing") and "ful" (meaning "full of"). Over time, the spelling of "wǣlful" changed, and it eventually evolved into "wailful" in Modern English.
