misery

mis-er-y · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A state or feeling of great physical or mental distress or discomfort.

  2. 2.

    A cause or source of great distress or discomfort.

  3. 3.

    (British informal) A person who is constantly unhappy or complaining.

Forms

plural: miseries

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    put someone out of their misery — to end someone's suffering or suspense
  • •
    misery loves company — unhappy people like to be with other unhappy people
  • •
    pile of misery — a very unhappy situation
  • •
    wallow in misery — to indulge in self-pity

Related words

Antonyms: bliss, happiness, joy
See also: distress, miserable, suffering
Synonyms: anguish, distress, suffering, wretchedness

Etymology

From Old French miserie, from Latin miseria ("wretchedness, distress"), from miser ("wretched, pitiable").