she was inconsolable after he left

[alpacinou]

Hello.

Can I use the word "inconsolable" in a situation where a son leaves his mother to pursue his education? I mean is the word too much in that situation? Is it only used when someone dies?

Do these work?

1. She was inconsolable after her son left the small town to pursue his education in New York.

2. He was inconsolable after she filed for divorce.

 

[tedmc]

I would only use the word in cases of extreme grief, as in the loss of a loved one, but the again, different people's idea of "extreme" varies.

 

[Tarheel]

As Ted said, it's not normal. However, nobody can stop you from using it that way.