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.

"I can't focus on my work. I had to take time off from work due to pain and I'm just miserable."

From BBC • Apr. 4, 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

He knew, too, that it wasn’t all miserable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

I walk into the cafeteria even more miserable.

From "Muffled" by Jennifer Gennari

miserable

Example Sentences

Related Words