What does wretched mean?
Wretched is an adjective meaning deeply unhappy, unfortunate, or affected by misery. It can describe unpleasant conditions, such as weather, a physical state, or a difficult situation, as in “a wretched journey.” In another common sense, it means contemptible or morally despicable, often describing an excuse, person, or piece of behavior. The word is emotionally forceful but less extreme than terms such as appalling or atrocious, and it can range from sympathetic descriptions of hardship to sharply judgmental criticism. Its expressive tone makes it especially useful in literary and figurative contexts. Although its original sense centered on wretchedness and moral degradation, modern usage most often emphasizes misery, distress, or poor quality. Wretched remains common in formal writing and conversation in both British and American English.
adjectiveMiserable, unhappy, or causing distress; contemptible or despicable; or, more generally, poor and unsatisfactory.
- Unhappy, miserable, or causing distress.
- Contemptible, despicable, or morally bad.
- Poor, inadequate, or highly unpleasant.
"The persistent rain made the whole afternoon feel utterly wretched."
"After a wretched journey, they were relieved to arrive home."
"His wretched excuse for missing the meeting fooled no one."
Wretched began by describing someone or something as wicked or despicable, but its emotional force long ago made “miserably unfortunate” its most familiar meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wretched come from?
The adjective appeared in English in the late 16th century, formed from the earlier noun wretch. That noun was inherited from Old English and belonged to a Germanic family of words associated with suffering, misery, or misfortune. The original sense of wretched included moral evil or despicability, while later usage increasingly developed the modern sense of being deeply unhappy or in a poor condition.
Related word forms
How wretched is actually used
Wretched is a fairly literary and emotionally emphatic adjective. It can express sympathy, as in “wretched weather,” or convey contempt, as in “wretched behavior.” The word is established in both British and American English.
Easily confused with wretched
Wrecked means damaged, destroyed, or badly affected by an accident, whereas wretched means miserable, unfortunate, or contemptible.