C2adjective formal 10K+

Wretched

🇬🇧 UK //ˈrɛtʃ.ɪd// 🇺🇸 US //ˈrɛtʃ.ɪd//

Meaning of Wretched

In a very unhappy or unfortunate state.

In simple words: Very unhappy or in a bad condition.

Wretched in a sentence

• The wretched conditions in the slums shocked the visitors.
• She felt wretched after hearing the bad news.
• They lived in wretched poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities.
• His wretched appearance reflected his difficult life.
• The wretched state of the environment requires immediate action.

How to use Wretched

Used to express extreme unhappiness or poor quality; typically not used in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think 'wretched' rhymes with 'retched' - a reminder of feeling sick or miserable.

Related words

Collocations with Wretched

• wretched state
• wretched conditions
• feel wretched

Synonyms for Wretched

• miserable
• deplorable
• unhappy
• desolate
• distressing

Opposites of Wretched

• happy
• fortunate
• content

Common mistakes with Wretched

• Used incorrectly in informal contexts.
• Confused with 'wretchedness' which is a noun.
• Misunderstood to mean just 'bad' without the emotional implications.

Frequently asked questions about Wretched

What does Wretched mean?

Very unhappy or in a bad condition.

What is the definition of Wretched?

In a very unhappy or unfortunate state.

How do you use Wretched in a sentence?

The wretched conditions in the slums shocked the visitors.

Can you give another example of Wretched?

She felt wretched after hearing the bad news.

What are synonyms for Wretched?

Common alternatives include miserable, deplorable, unhappy, desolate, distressing.

What is the opposite of Wretched?

Opposite meanings include happy, fortunate, content.

What words go with Wretched?

It commonly pairs with wretched state, wretched conditions, feel wretched.

What are common mistakes when using Wretched?

Used incorrectly in informal contexts. Confused with 'wretchedness' which is a noun. Misunderstood to mean just 'bad' without the emotional implications.

How do you pronounce Wretched?

US: //ˈrɛtʃ.ɪd//, UK: //ˈrɛtʃ.ɪd//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Wretched formal or informal?

"Wretched" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Wretched?

Used to express extreme unhappiness or poor quality; typically not used in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Wretched?

"Wretched" is at C2 level on the CEFR scale.