Wretched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wretched

[ˈrɛtʃɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling or showing great unhappiness or discomfort

Wretched describes something or someone in a very unhappy or unfortunate state. It can also refer to something of poor quality or condition. The term wretched is often used to express extreme misery, distress, or suffering.

Synonyms

distressed, miserable, pitiful, unhappy, woeful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wretched	This word is often used to describe someone or something in a very poor or despicable condition. It can convey a sense of moral disapproval or extreme discomfort. The wretched conditions of the old building were uninhabitable He felt wretched after making such a terrible mistake
miserable	This word describes a state of extreme unhappiness or discomfort. It is often used to depict a situation where someone is suffering or in a poor condition. He felt miserable after catching the flu The town was hit by a miserable drought
unhappy	A general term for describing sadness or dissatisfaction. It is less intense than some of the other words and is appropriate for mild to moderate emotional distress. She felt unhappy about the changes at work The child was unhappy when the trip got canceled
distressed	Typically used when someone is experiencing anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It implies a state of emotional or mental suffering. She was visibly distressed after hearing the bad news The distressed animal needed immediate care
woeful	Usually used for expressing extreme sadness or lamentable conditions. It often has a poetic or literary connotation. He told a woeful tale of lost love Their woeful performance led to a resounding defeat
pitiful	Used to describe someone or something that arouses pity, often in a way that suggests they are in a hopeless or extremely poor state. This can sometimes have a condescending tone. The pitiful sight of the abandoned puppy broke her heart His attempt at an apology was pitiful

Examples of usage

He lived in a wretched little apartment on the outskirts of town.
The wretched conditions in the refugee camp made life unbearable for its inhabitants.
I felt wretched after hearing the tragic news.
The wretched state of the old building made it unsafe for occupancy.
The wretched look on her face revealed the extent of her suffering.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

of poor quality or condition

Wretched can also be used to describe something of very poor quality or condition. It implies a sense of inferiority or undesirability.

Synonyms

dismal, inferior, poor, shoddy, substandard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
wretched	Used to describe someone or something in a very unhappy, miserable, or unfortunate state. The refugees were living in wretched conditions
poor	Describes something lacking in quality, quantity, or excellence; can describe lack of wealth when referring to people. The poor performance of the car disappointed everyone Many families in the neighborhood are very poor
inferior	Refers to something of lower quality or status compared to something else; can be offensive if used to describe people. These shoes are inferior to the ones I bought last year He felt inferior to his colleagues because of his lack of experience
substandard	Refers to something that does not meet the required or expected standard, especially in terms of quality or performance. The housing conditions were substandard, lacking basic amenities
shoddy	Used to describe something of very low quality, often implying poor workmanship or materials. Typically has negative connotations. The furniture was shoddy and fell apart after just a few months
dismal	Used to describe something that causes a mood of gloom or depression; can also describe a very poor performance or quality. The weather was dismal, with constant rain and overcast skies The team performed dismally in the championship

Examples of usage

The meal we had at that restaurant was wretched.
The wretched state of the roads made driving very difficult.
They were living in wretched poverty, unable to afford basic necessities.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

Charles Dickens often used the word in his writings to describe the harsh conditions of the poor, showcasing their struggles.
In Shakespeare’s plays, characters described their situations as wretched to evoke sympathy from audiences and highlight injustices.
In many classic novels, wretched characters symbolize broader themes of despair, often serving as a critique of society.

Psychology

Feeling wretched can be associated with mental health issues such as depression, where low mood and hopelessness prevail.
The experience of wretchedness can impact physical health, leading to changes in appetite, sleep, and overall well-being.
Understanding what makes someone feel wretched can be vital in therapy, helping individuals to work through their emotions.

Pop Culture

Movies and books often portray wretched characters as symbols of hope; their journeys can inspire change and resilience.
Songs featuring feelings of wretchedness resonate with listeners by expressing raw emotions, allowing for connections through shared experiences.
Television series often depict wretched circumstances to highlight human suffering, encouraging audiences to empathize and reflect on real-world issues.

Historical Context

Throughout history, societies have described certain populations as wretched, often to justify social hierarchies or lack of support.
The term has been used in political rhetoric to discuss poverty and inequality, particularly in debates about social justice.
Economic downturns have historically left many feeling wretched, resulting in movements aiming to improve their conditions.

Origin of 'wretched'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Old English 'wrecced,' which means 'driven out' or 'exiled,' reflecting a sense of being discarded or in a bad state.
It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'wrek-' meaning 'to throw' or 'to cast away,' suggesting feelings of being rejected.
Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass not just physical state but emotional and moral suffering.

The word 'wretched' has origins in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'wrecca' meaning an exile or wanderer. Over time, its meaning evolved to convey a sense of misery or unhappiness. The term has been used in literature and everyday language to describe both emotional distress and poor quality conditions.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,613 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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