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Miserably Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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miserably

[หˆmษชzษ™rษ™bli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

feeling

In a way that is very unhappy or uncomfortable

Synonyms

poorly, sadly, unhappily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miserably

Used when someone feels extremely unhappy or uncomfortable.

  • She failed the exam miserably and felt terrible about it.
  • He miserably trudged through the rain, wishing he was at home.
sadly

Used when expressing sorrow or regret. It has a tone of melancholy or disappointment.

  • Sadly, they had to cancel their trip due to bad weather.
  • He looked at the old photographs sadly, remembering the good times.
unhappily

Used to describe doing something without joy or satisfaction. It often highlights discontent or dissatisfaction.

  • She was unhappily married and thinking about a divorce.
  • He was unhappily working at a job he didn't like.
poorly

Used when describing something done in an inadequate or substandard manner. It can also mean feeling unwell.

  • He performed poorly on the test because he didn't study.
  • She's been feeling poorly all week, so she went to see the doctor.

Examples of usage

  • She failed miserably in her attempt to pass the exam.
  • He looked miserably tired after working all day.
  • The puppy whimpered miserably in the rain.
Context #2 | Adverb

performing

In a way that is very poorly or unsuccessfully

Synonyms

badly, poorly, unsuccessfully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
miserably

This word is used when emphasizing a very unhappy or uncomfortable situation. It often implies a deep sense of sadness or failure.

  • She failed miserably in her attempt to convince them.
  • They lived miserably in the small, damp apartment.
badly

'Badly' is used to describe something done in a poor manner or with negative results. It is a general term without strong emotional connotations.

  • He performed badly in the exam.
  • The project was managed badly.
poorly

This word is often used in a more formal context to describe something done inadequately or with a low level of quality. It can also refer to a person's health.

  • The report was poorly written.
  • She has been feeling poorly since last week.
unsuccessfully

Used when describing an attempt or effort that did not achieve the desired outcome. This word is often used in a professional or formal context.

  • He tried unsuccessfully to start his own business.
  • They negotiated unsuccessfully for better working conditions.

Examples of usage

  • The team played miserably in the match and lost by a large margin.
  • She sang miserably out of tune during the performance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling miserable can be linked to major life changes, such as losing a job or moving to a new city.
  • Studies show that prolonged feelings of misery can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
  • Social connections and support can significantly reduce feelings of misery in individuals.

Literature

  • Classic novels often depict characters in miserable situations to highlight their struggles, such as in 'Les Misรฉrables' by Victor Hugo.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often express their misery through soliloquies, revealing their inner turmoil.
  • Misery is a recurring theme in poetry, often used to evoke empathy from the reader and explore the human condition.

Pop Culture

  • 'Misery' is a famous novel by Stephen King, which tells the story of a writer held captive by his 'number one fan.'
  • The phrase 'miserable failure' became notable during political discourse in the early 2000s, symbolizing disappointment.
  • In music, several songs express themes of misery, reflecting heartbreak and personal struggles, such as 'Misery' by Maroon 5.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Schopenhauer argue that life inherently involves misery and suffering, shaping their understanding of existence.
  • Stoic philosophers believed that miseries could be managed through the practice of self-control and rational thought.
  • The concept of 'the misery index' combines inflation and unemployment rates, reflecting economic distress experienced by citizens.

Origin of 'miserably'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'miserabilis,' which means 'to be pitiable or wretched.'
  • In Middle English, it was spelled 'miserable' before evolving into the modern form we use today.
  • The suffix '-ly' turns an adjective into an adverb, helping to describe how something is done.

The word 'miserably' is derived from the word 'miserable', which originated from the Latin word 'miserabilis', meaning pitiable or wretched. Over time, 'miserably' has come to be associated with feelings of unhappiness, discomfort, or poor performance. It is commonly used in everyday language to express extreme dissatisfaction or failure.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,629, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.