wretched

wretch·ed

adjective \ˈre-chəd\

Definition of WRETCHED

1

: deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind

2

: extremely or deplorably bad or distressing <was in wretched health> <a wretched accident>

3

a : being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible <dressed in wretched old clothes>

b : very poor in quality or ability : inferior <wretched workmanship>

— wretch·ed·ly adverb

— wretch·ed·ness noun

Examples of WRETCHED

1. The slums were filled with poor, wretched children.
2. I don't know what's wrong with her, but she looks wretched.
3. families living in wretched poverty
4. the wretched conditions of the refugee camp
5. How did we get into this wretched state of affairs?
6. What a wretched performance that was.
7. That movie was positively wretched.

Origin of WRETCHED

Middle English, irregular from wretch

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to WRETCHED

Synonyms

atrocious, awful, dismal, execrable, horrible, lousy, punk, rotten, sucky [slang], terrible

Antonyms

bitchin' [slang], great, marvelous (or marvellous), wonderful

Related Words

bad, deficient, inferior, off, poor, substandard, wanting; contemptible, miserable, shameful; defective, faulty, flawed; low-grade, mediocre, reprehensible, second-rate; bum, useless, valueless, worthless; inadequate, insufficient, lacking; abominable, damnable, fiendish, odious, vile

Near Antonyms

choice, excellent, exceptional, first-class, first-rate, premium, prime, superior; adequate, sufficient; acceptable, satisfactory