Miserable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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miserable
[หmษชzษrษbl ]
Definitions
feeling
Feeling extremely unhappy or uncomfortable; wretched.
Synonyms
dejected, sad, unhappy, wretched.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miserable |
Used to describe extreme unhappiness or discomfort, whether emotional or physical.
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| unhappy |
A broad term for feeling discomfort or dissatisfaction, often used in both casual and formal settings.
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| sad |
A general term to describe feeling sorrowful or unhappy; less intense than 'miserable'.
|
| wretched |
Connotes a severe degree of unhappiness or misfortune, often accompanied by a sense of being pitiful.
|
| dejected |
Implies a state of low spirits due to disappointment or failure.
|
Examples of usage
- I was miserable because I missed my family.
- She felt miserable after hearing the bad news.
- The thought of spending another day in this job made her miserable.
condition
Of a person, wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable.
Synonyms
dejected, forlorn, mournful, wretched.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miserable |
Use this word to describe someone who feels very unhappy or uncomfortable. It can apply to both emotional and physical discomfort.
|
| wretched |
Wretched describes a state of great unhappiness and misery, often highlighting extreme distress or misfortune. It has a negative connotation.
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| dejected |
This word is appropriate when someone feels sad and disheartened, often because of a setback or disappointment.
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| forlorn |
Use this word to describe a sense of loneliness and abandonment, often with a focus on being alone or deserted.
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| mournful |
This word is used to express deep sorrow or grief, often related to loss or mourning.
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Examples of usage
- She looked miserable in her old, tattered clothes.
- He appeared miserable in his lonely apartment.
- The stray dog looked miserable in the rain.
quality
Causing unhappiness or discomfort.
Synonyms
discomforting, dreary, gloomy, unpleasant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| miserable |
Used to describe a state of severe unhappiness or discomfort, often over an extended period. It can relate to emotional, physical, or situational experiences.
|
| unpleasant |
Used to describe something that is not enjoyable or agreeable, causing discomfort or minor pain, and has a generally negative connotation.
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| discomforting |
Used to describe something that causes a mild to moderate level of discomfort or unease, often temporary or situational.
|
| gloomy |
Used to describe a somber, dark, or depressing atmosphere, often involving poor lighting or a pessimistic mood.
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| dreary |
Used to describe something that is dull, bleak, and lifeless, often referring to weather, places, or situations.
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Examples of usage
- The miserable weather ruined our plans for a picnic.
- The cramped, dirty room was a miserable place to stay.
- His miserable attitude made everyone around him feel down.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many authors use the concept of misery to reflect a character's internal struggles, such as in Dickens's 'A Tale of Two Cities'.
- Shakespeare often portrays misery in his tragedies, illuminating the depths of human emotion.
- The word is prevalent in poetry, signifying emotional suffering and despair in works from the Romantic era.
Psychology
- Experiencing prolonged feelings of misery can lead to conditions like depression, highlighting the importance of mental health support.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often addresses thoughts that lead to feelings of misery and teaches strategies to shift these mindsets.
- The interplay between oneโs environment and misery emphasizes that social support can mitigate feelings of unhappiness.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in popular songs and films, especially in ballads that address heartbreak and emotional pain.
- Comic characters, particularly in dark humor genres, may exclaim how 'miserable' they feel in a lighthearted manner.
- Television shows featuring characters in unfortunate situations often use 'miserable' to describe their comedic plight.
Science
- Research shows that chronic happiness is linked to better physical health, contrasting sharply with the effects of a miserable mindset.
- Studies indicate that social isolation can contribute significantly to feelings of misery and can impact overall well-being.
- Neurological studies find that experiencing sorrow or misery activates specific areas of the brain related to processing negative emotions.
Origin of 'miserable'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'miserabilis', meaning 'wretched' or 'worthy of pity'.
- In the Middle Ages, the term was used to describe a person in deep sadness due to bad fortune.
- The term evolved through Old French before entering English in the late 14th century.
The word 'miserable' has its origins in Middle English, coming from the Old French word 'miserable', which in turn is derived from the Latin word 'miserabilis' meaning 'pitiable'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass feelings of extreme unhappiness or discomfort, as well as conditions or qualities that cause such feelings.