Words:
* Mournful: A deep, somber sadness.
* Melancholy: A wistful, pensive sadness, often accompanied by a sense of longing.
* Desolate: Empty and hopeless.
* Wailing: A loud, mournful cry.
* Dirge: A slow, solemn piece of music, often played at funerals.
* Plaintive: Sad and sorrowful, often with a sense of pleading.
* Moaning: A low, groaning sound expressing pain or sadness.
Phrases:
* Heart-wrenching: Evoking strong feelings of sorrow and distress.
* Soul-crushing: Overwhelmingly sad and depressing.
* Tear-jerking: Causing someone to cry.
* A sound that could break your heart: A sound so sad it makes you feel physical pain.
The best word or phrase will depend on the specific sound you're trying to describe. For example, a low, mournful violin melody might be described as "plaintive" or "melancholy," while a scream of despair might be described as "heart-wrenching" or "wailing."