GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

misery

noun

/ˈmɪz ə ri/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of misery

A state or feeling of extreme unhappiness, suffering, or distress.
"Poverty and unemployment brought misery to the struggling community."

Detailed meaning of misery

It encompasses deep emotional or physical pain, sorrow, or anguish. Misery is often associated with a sense of hopelessness, despair, or overwhelming difficulty. It can be caused by various factors, such as personal loss, physical ailments, poverty, or adverse circumstances. The experience of misery can be intense and debilitating, affecting one's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, grief, loneliness, or despair that can be prolonged and pervasive. Misery can also refer to a condition or situation of extreme discomfort, hardship, or deprivation. It can evoke a sense of bleakness or a lack of joy, where one feels trapped or unable to escape from their current circumstances. Overall, misery represents a state of deep suffering and distress that can profoundly impact an individual's quality of life and overall well-being.

Example sentences containing misery

1. She couldn't escape the misery of her broken heart after the breakup.
2. The homeless man endured a life of constant misery on the streets.
3. The war-torn region was plagued by misery and suffering.
4. The loss of her beloved pet brought her immeasurable misery.
5. He lived in utter misery, battling chronic illness and loneliness.
6. The refugee camp was a place of misery and desperation.

History and etymology of misery

The term 'misery' has an etymology that delves into its historical origins. It derives from the Middle English word 'miserie,' which can be traced back to the Old French 'misere' and the Latin 'miseria.' In Latin, 'miseria' is a combination of 'mis-' meaning 'unfortunate' or 'wretched' and 'eria' signifying a state or condition. Therefore, 'misery' ultimately reflects a state or feeling of extreme unhappiness, suffering, or distress. This etymology highlights the notion of profound unhappiness and misfortune that has been expressed through language for centuries.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun misery:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of misery

1. The novel portrayed the protagonist's journey from misery to redemption.
2. The natural disaster left behind a trail of devastation and misery.
3. The family's financial struggles resulted in a life of misery and hardship.
4. The young girl's eyes were filled with misery as she recounted her traumatic experiences.
5. The elderly woman lived in isolation and misery, longing for companionship.
6. Her face reflected the deep misery she felt inside.
7. Poverty can lead to a life of constant misery.
8. He endured years of emotional misery after the loss.
9. Loneliness often accompanies a sense of misery.
10. The war brought untold misery to the nation.
11. Finding hope in the midst of misery is a challenge.
12. Addiction can plunge a person into a cycle of misery.
13. The film portrayed the characters' profound misery.
14. A smile can sometimes hide inner misery.
15. His eyes revealed the hidden misery he carried.
16. Overcoming personal misery requires resilience.
17. The novel explored the theme of love amidst misery.
18. They sought therapy to alleviate their shared misery.
19. Life's unpredictable nature can lead to moments of misery.
20. Chronic illness can bring prolonged misery.
21. She couldn't escape the clutches of her own misery.
22. Acts of kindness can alleviate the misery of others.
23. The storm left behind a trail of destruction and misery.
24. The artist channeled his misery into his paintings.
25. The community came together to ease the misery of the homeless.