C2adjective formal 10K+

Wretched

UK //ˈrɛtʃ.ɪd// US //ˈrɛtʃ.ɪd// Pronunciation

Definition

In a very unhappy or unfortunate state.

Listen to definition

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

Examples

• 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.

Usage notes

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

Listen to usage notes

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

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

Collocations

• wretched state
• wretched conditions
• feel wretched

Synonyms

• miserable
• deplorable
• unhappy
• desolate
• distressing

Antonyms

• happy
• fortunate
• content

Common mistakes

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