Inconsolable means so sad or upset that nothing anyone says or does can make you feel better. When someone is inconsolable, comfort and kind words simply don't reach them, at least not right away.

A child might be inconsolable after losing a beloved pet, crying for hours despite a parent's gentle attempts to soothe them. A teammate could be inconsolable after making a mistake that cost the team a championship, refusing to hear that everyone makes errors or that one play rarely decides a whole game.

When grief or disappointment feels overwhelming, a person may need time before they're ready to accept comfort. Being inconsolable is usually temporary, even though it doesn't feel that way in the moment. Eventually, the sharp edge of sadness dulls enough that support from others can begin to help. Understanding this can make you more patient with friends or family members going through hard times.