Definitions

wretched

[rech-id] / ˈrɛtʃ ɪd /

ADJECTIVE

terrible, very bad

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abject deplorable depressed despicable forlorn gloomy hopeless miserable pathetic pitiful tragic woeful

WEAK

afflicted base bummed calamitous cheap contemptible dejected disconsolate distressed dolorous down down-and-out downcast faulty flimsy hapless hurting in the pits inferior low low-down mean melancholy paltry pitiable poor shabby shameful sordid sorrowful sorry spiritless unfortunate unhappy vile weak woebegone worthless

Antonyms

STRONGEST

blessed bright cheerful comforted encouraged encouraging excellent good happy hopeful joyful rich worthwhile worthy

WEAK

nice

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.

Tottenham have been wretched at home all season - only Burnley have picked up fewer points on home turf - while Everton had a strong record away until their recent run.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Still, Ohm is more despairing and miserable than any of the wretched worms Scott has acted to date.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

They’re given to those buckling under the wretched weight of their surrounding world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

As wretched as smog was, Angelenos were not about to stop driving their cars, so the cars had to change.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

And she poured out to him all the love no one had wanted from her through the wretched years:—

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Vocabulary lists containing wretched

"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act I

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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z

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