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Showing results for woeful. Search instead for woefu.
Definitions

woeful

[woh-fuhl] / ˈwoʊ fəl /
ADJECTIVE
terrible, sad
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appalling awful calamitous deplorable disappointing disastrous dreadful feeble grim lamentable lousy miserable paltry pathetic pitiful shocking sorry wretched
WEAK
afflicted agonized anguished bad catastrophic cruel disconsolate disgraceful distressing doleful gloomy grieving grievous heartbreaking heartrending heartsick hopeless inadequate mean mournful piteous pitiable plaintive poor racked rotten sorrowful tortured tragic unfortunate unhappy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blessed cheerful comforting encouraging excellent fortunate good happy hopeful joyful lucky nice pleasing rich satisfactory wealthy wonderful worthwhile
WEAK
glad

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.

However, the woeful defeat by Forest heightened Spurs' fears of suffering their first relegation from the top flight since 1977 and proved to be the final game of his brief spell.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Covered for the ignominy of his historically woeful four-for-51 hitting performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

Rodrigo Gomes had just capped a woeful night for Aston Villa - the substitute finishing them off to earn Wolves a deserved victory.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

The England forward completed his hat-trick three minutes later, drilling home from Marc Cucurella's pass after more woeful Wolves defending.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

Soon others chimed in with their own woeful tales.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.