downtrodden

adjective

down·​trod·​den ˈdau̇n-ˈträ-dᵊn How to pronounce downtrodden (audio)
: suffering oppression

Examples of downtrodden in a Sentence

They were poor and downtrodden. a war that was supposed to liberate the downtrodden citizens of that nation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beneath Grisham’s pen, Dot Black was a blue-collar chain-smoker meant to stand in for all downtrodden Southern whites. Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025 Those ticket sales would be a huge boon to movie theater owners after the all-important summer stretch ended on a downtrodden note. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025 Plemons plays a desperate and downtrodden man convinced that humanity is being experimented on by a race of aliens. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2025 The Nationals, one of the most downtrodden teams in the major leagues, outhit the Giants 17-3 and didn’t bother with a doggie bag while leaving 10 runners on base. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for downtrodden

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downtrodden was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Downtrodden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtrodden. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

downtrodden

adjective
down·​trod·​den ˈdau̇n-ˈträd-ᵊn How to pronounce downtrodden (audio)
: crushed by superior power

More from Merriam-Webster on downtrodden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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