Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for woeful. Search instead for woefuln.
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.

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The woeful record of the national men's team is also evidence for withering comments and the malaise is well-documented.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 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 Himalayan republic votes on March 5 in the first parliamentary elections since deadly youth-led protests toppled the government in September, fuelled by anger at a woeful economy and lack of opportunities.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

I felt their woeful eyes on me and shivered with unease.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein