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.

"Shia Muslims have historically been the downtrodden of Lebanon," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

The conflict’s geopolitical ripples have brought a lucrative reversal of fortune to U.S.-based chemical makers, which in recent years have been some of America’s most downtrodden companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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

Throughout the book, elements from a talking fish to a possibly reincarnated dog exist alongside the bleak reality of a country so downtrodden and occupied that even its cartography isn’t in its own language.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026

For years, Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had hoped that if they kept Harry as downtrodden as possible, they would be able to squash the magic out of him.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing downtrodden

Speak

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Murder on the Orient Express

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!