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Showing results for miserable.
Definitions

miserable

[miz-er-uh-buhl, miz-ruh-] / ˈmɪz ər ə bəl, ˈmɪz rə- /
ADJECTIVE
unhappy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gloomy pathetic sad tragic unhappy wretched
WEAK
afflicted agonized ailing anguished brokenhearted crestfallen dejected depressed desolate despairing despondent destroyed disconsolate discontented distressed doleful dolorous down down in the mouth downcast forlorn heartbroken hopeless hurt hurting ill in pain injured melancholy mournful not happy on a downer pained pitiable racked rueful ruthful sick sickly sorrowful strained suffering tormented tortured troubled woebegone wounded
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheerful happy joyful
WEAK
elated merry
ADJECTIVE
destitute, shabby
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bad meager pathetic poor sad shameful sorry tragic wretched
WEAK
abject contemptible deplorable despicable detestable disgraceful godforsaken impoverished indigent inferior lamentable low mean needy paltry penniless piteous pitiable poverty-stricken scanty scurvy sordid squalid vile worthless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
adequate advantageous fortunate good great nice reputable
WEAK
generous rich wealthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The ridiculous charges were clearly designed to make Mr. Powell’s life miserable in the hope that he would resign.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Western experts say such workers endure miserable living and working conditions, have their movements restricted and see most of their wages commandeered by the North Korean state.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

“The economy feels a bit miserable right now. And I’m shifting from autopilot to a more intentional strategy.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 28, 2026

And Wales ended their miserable three-year losing run in the championship by beating Italy in Cardiff.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Child X’s favorite activity was making my life miserable.

From "The School for Whatnots" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.