'woeful' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'wōfyl,' where 'wō' meant 'woe' and '-ful' meant 'full of.'

'wōfyl' transformed into the Middle English word 'woful,' and eventually became the modern English word 'woeful.'

Initially, it meant 'full of woe or sorrow,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.