cold comfort

noun

: quite limited sympathy, consolation, or encouragement

Examples of cold comfort in a Sentence

The good news about the economy is cold comfort to people who have lost their jobs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All this context isn’t likely to provide even cold comfort to those worried about how the community plans will alter their neighborhoods. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Nov. 2024 But that optimistic view is cold comfort to many Democratic senators after watching Tester, Brown and Pennsylvania’s Sen. Bob Casey (D) lose. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 29 Nov. 2024 In a way, that means smaller bathrooms may mean smaller ticket prices, but that’s cold comfort when you’re wedged up against the wall trying to do your business. Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024 The trade deadline similarly gave cold comfort to those hoping to see Chicago’s plan substantively advance. Sam Blum, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cold comfort 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cold comfort was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cold comfort

Cite this Entry

“Cold comfort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cold%20comfort. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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