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

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

The facility’s namesake harbored no illusions that his donation might one day turn the downtrodden Hoosiers into the country’s top team.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

Oracle’s downtrodden stock lost another 12% in after-hours trading Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

Patrolman Mancuso looked more downtrodden than ever, but Mrs. Reilly was tapping one foot on the linoleum and laughing shyly at what she was watching in the center of the room.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

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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