downtrodden

[doun-trod-n] / ˈdaʊnˌtrɒd n /

ADJECTIVE

afflicted, abused

Synonyms

STRONGEST

destitute distressed exploited needy oppressed persecuted

WEAK

a slave to abject at one's beck and call at one's feet at one's mercy have-not helpless in one's clutches in one's pocket in one's power led by the nose maltreated mistreated overcome subjugated subservient suppressed tyrannized under one's thumb underdog underfoot

Antonyms

STRONGEST

rich wealthy

WEAK

happy respected satisfied

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.

That’s nothing compared to the challenges facing college basketball’s increasingly downtrodden other half, though.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

In light of the various industry-focused stock-market declines driven by AI adoption, some professional investors have been jumping onto downtrodden stocks.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

“Send Help” is an actual horror show where a downtrodden employee gains flesh-and-blood power over her cruel boss when the two are stranded on a deserted island.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

The most important college football story in these parts is about the downtrodden program from Westwood and whether it will leave its dump of a stadium in Pasadena.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2025

“But what about the downtrodden people, Wilse? Ain’t slavery becomin’ more of a festerin’ hurt each year?

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt

Vocabulary lists containing downtrodden

Speak

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Murder on the Orient Express

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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