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Definitions

miserable

[miz-er-uh-buhl, miz-ruh-] / ˈmɪz ər ə bəl, ˈmɪz rə- /
ADJECTIVE
unhappy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
gloomy pathetic sad tragic unhappy wretched
WEAK
afflicted agonized ailing anguished brokenhearted crestfallen dejected depressed desolate despairing despondent destroyed disconsolate discontented distressed doleful dolorous down down in the mouth downcast forlorn heartbroken hopeless hurt hurting ill in pain injured melancholy mournful not happy on a downer pained pitiable racked rueful ruthful sick sickly sorrowful strained suffering tormented tortured troubled woebegone wounded
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cheerful happy joyful
WEAK
elated merry
ADJECTIVE
destitute, shabby
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bad meager pathetic poor sad shameful sorry tragic wretched
WEAK
abject contemptible deplorable despicable detestable disgraceful godforsaken impoverished indigent inferior lamentable low mean needy paltry penniless piteous pitiable poverty-stricken scanty scurvy sordid squalid vile worthless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
adequate advantageous fortunate good great nice reputable
WEAK
generous rich wealthy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Like unhappy families, each red September has been miserable for markets in its own way.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

"There's comedy there, and if we just stay miserable about it, we just make ourselves worse," he told AFP on the red carpet at the premiere in the Canadian city.

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026

"He's looked miserable, defensive, and complaining. He needs to get over it, and I think we'll see a better, more attractive Nigel in the coming days."

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

It’s made an intense summer of heat particularly miserable.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

“Darn. Okay, no more funny stuff. You’re miserable and that’s that, right?”

From "Fourth Grade Rats" by Jerry Spinelli