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Dictionary definition of wretched

Existing in a state of extreme misery, distress, or suffering, often accompanied by a sense of pitiable or deplorable conditions.
"The wretched conditions in the prison were a violation of human rights."

Detailed meaning of wretched

When applied to individuals, it suggests that they are living in abject poverty, experiencing profound unhappiness, or enduring severe hardships. In the context of objects or situations, "wretched" denotes something that is in a sorry state, dilapidated, or thoroughly unsatisfactory. This term conveys a strong sense of anguish, hopelessness, or despair, emphasizing the profound level of discomfort or suffering involved. "Wretched" is often used to evoke sympathy or empathy for those facing dire circumstances, and it can also be employed more broadly to describe anything that is considered extremely unpleasant or miserable.

Example sentences of wretched

1. The homeless man looked wretched and hungry.
2. The weather was so wretched that we had to cancel our picnic.
3. After a week of wretched weather, the sun finally came out.
4. The wretched smell coming from the garbage dump was unbearable.
5. She lived in a wretched apartment with no heating or air conditioning.
6. The wretched state of the economy left many people jobless and desperate.

History and etymology of wretched

The adjective 'wretched' has its origins in Middle English, where it was spelled as 'wrecched.' This Middle English term can be traced back to the Old English word 'wreccan,' which meant 'to drive out' or 'to punish.' Over time, 'wretched' evolved to describe individuals or circumstances that were in a state of extreme misery, distress, or suffering, often accompanied by pitiable or deplorable conditions. Its etymology reflects the sense of being driven out or punished by life's hardships, resulting in a condition that arouses sympathy or pity due to the profound and often unfortunate circumstances it describes.

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Further usage examples of wretched

1. His wretched attitude made him unpopular with his colleagues.
2. The wretched noise coming from the construction site kept me up all night.
3. The wretched performance of the team disappointed their fans.
4. The wretched disease left her bedridden for months.
5. The wretched poverty in the region was heartbreaking to see.
6. The wretched beggar endured harsh winters on the unforgiving streets.
7. His wretched illness drained his strength and extinguished his hope.
8. The wretched war left a trail of destruction and despair in its wake.
9. The wretched cries of hunger echoed relentlessly in the overcrowded refugee camp.
10. She escaped a wretched life of poverty and abuse to find hope and purpose elsewhere.
11. The wretched beggar endured harsh winters on the unforgiving streets, seeking warmth.
12. His wretched illness drained his strength and extinguished his hope, leaving him frail.
13. The wretched war left a trail of destruction and despair in its wake, affecting countless lives.
14. The wretched cries of hunger echoed relentlessly in the overcrowded refugee camp, haunting everyone.
15. She escaped a wretched life of poverty and abuse to find hope and purpose elsewhere, against all odds.
16. The wretched conditions in the dilapidated orphanage were a grim reminder of neglect.
17. The wretched smell in the rundown building was nauseating, making it almost uninhabitable.
18. The wretched fate of the abandoned animals in the shelter saddened the volunteers.
19. The wretched aftermath of the hurricane demanded swift humanitarian aid.
20. The wretched quality of the education system was a pressing concern for parents.
21. The wretched reality of discrimination persists in society, fueling the fight for equality.
22. The wretched state of the environment necessitated immediate conservation efforts.
23. The wretched existence of child laborers is a global tragedy, requiring intervention.
24. The wretched poverty in the slums is a social injustice that must be addressed.
25. The wretched condition of the asylum seekers highlighted the need for humane immigration policies.