Main Entry:

mis·er·a·ble

Pronunciation:

\ˈmi-zər-bəl, ˈmiz-rə-, ˈmi-zə-rə-\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin miserabilis wretched, pitiable, from miserari to pity, from miser

Date:

15th century

1: being in a pitiable state of distress or unhappiness (as from want or shame) <miserable refugees>2 a: wretchedly inadequate or meager <a miserable hovel> b: causing extreme discomfort or unhappiness <a miserable situation>3: being likely to discredit or shame <his miserable neglect of his wife>

— miserable noun

— mis·er·a·ble·ness noun

— mis·er·a·bly \-blē\ adverb