anhedonia

noun

an·​he·​do·​nia ˌan-(ˌ)hē-ˈdō-nē-ə How to pronounce anhedonia (audio)
-nyə
: a psychological condition characterized by inability to experience pleasure in normally pleasurable acts
anhedonic
ˌan-(ˌ)hē-ˈdä-nik How to pronounce anhedonia (audio)
adjective

Examples of anhedonia in a Sentence

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.
But the markets’ resiliency over the past month indicates a more all-encompassing anhedonia. — Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 31 Jan. 2026 But others report side effects like full-body itchiness, intense anxiety, or anhedonia. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026 She was prescribed oxycodone, and while on the medication, battled depression, anhedonia and suicidal ideation. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026 But studies of musical anhedonia also had a broader significance. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anhedonia

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from a- entry 2 + Greek hēdonē pleasure — more at hedonism

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anhedonia was in 1887

Rhymes for anhedonia

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Browse Nearby Words

anharmonic
anhedonia
anhedral
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Cite this Entry

“Anhedonia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anhedonia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

anhedonia

noun
an·​he·​do·​nia ˌan-hē-ˈdō-nē-ə How to pronounce anhedonia (audio)
: a psychological condition characterized by inability to experience pleasure in acts which normally produce it compare analgesia
anhedonic
-ˈdän-ik How to pronounce anhedonia (audio)
adjective
anhedonic noun
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