Miserable

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈmɪzrəˌbÉ™l/

Full definition of miserable

Adjective

1. In a state of misery: very sad, ill, or poor.
• 1918, W. B. Maxwell, The Mirror and the Lamp Chapter 7, With some of it on the south and more of it on the north of the great main thoroughfare that connects Aldgate and the East India Docks, St. Bede's at this period of its history was perhaps the poorest and most miserable parish in the East End of London.
• unknown date George Bernard ShawThe secret of being miserable is to have the leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not. The cure is occupation.
2. Very bad (at something); unskilled, incompetent.
   He's good at some sports, like tennis, but he's just miserable at football.
3. wretched; worthless; meana miserable sinner
4. (obsolete) Causing unhappiness or misery.
• ShakespeareWhat's more miserable than discontent?
5. (obsolete) Avaricious; niggardly; miserly.

Usage notes

Nouns to which "miserable" is often applied: life, condition, state, situation, day, time, creature, person, child, failure, place, world, season, year, week, experience, feeling, work, town, city, wage, job, case, excuse, dog.

Synonyms

Derived terms

• miserablism
• miserabilism
• miserablist
• miserabilist