Pining

Pining describes a feeling of intense longing or yearning for something or someone, typically unattainable or lost. It's often associated with a sense of sadness, loneliness, and unfulfilled desire. This yearning can manifest both emotionally and physically, causing a preoccupation with the object of the affection and a diminished interest in other aspects of life. The intensity of pining can vary, ranging from a gentle wistfulness to an all-consuming obsession, often related to distance, absence, or unrequited love. The feeling often includes nostalgia and a romanticized view of the lost object.

Pining meaning with examples

• After their breakup, Sarah spent months pining for John. She replayed their memories, reread old messages, and visited their favorite spots, deeply yearning for their lost connection. Her pining was evident in her melancholic demeanor and difficulty focusing on work. She struggled to find joy in activities she previously loved.
• Exiled from his homeland, the king spent his days pining for his family and the familiar landscapes of his kingdom. He would stare out at the ocean, imagining his home. His every thought and action reflected his longing, fueled by the knowledge that his return was uncertain.
• Lost in the wilderness, the hiker began pining for the comforts of civilization, for hot meals and soft beds. He dreamt of the warmth of a fire and the ease of human company. His physical and emotional state were severely impacted by his pining, amplifying his feelings of isolation and vulnerability.
• The artist, struggling with writer's block, found himself pining for the creative spark he'd lost. He reminisced about past successes, hoping to reignite his inspiration. His pining manifested as frustration and a sense of stagnation, which then made it difficult to overcome his creative drought.