plain·tive 
/ˈpleɪntɪv/ adjective
/ˈpleɪntɪv/ adjective [more plaintive; most plaintive] formal : expressing suffering or sadness : having a sad sound
▪ a plaintive [=mournful, sorrowful] sigh ▪ We could hear the plaintive cry of a wounded animal in the woods.
▪ a plaintive [=mournful, sorrowful] sigh ▪ We could hear the plaintive cry of a wounded animal in the woods.
— plain·tive·ly adverb
