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.

Four years later, St. Louis has revitalized the downtrodden Canadiens and has Montreal dreaming of ending Canada’s 33-year Stanley Cup drought.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

"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

“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 paupers’ food line was still there, queuing up patiently around the side of the palace: the young, the old, the in-between, all just as hungry and downtrodden as ever.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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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