wretch
word
Definition
A wretch is a person in a very bad situation, often extremely unhappy, unfortunate, or miserable. It can also describe someone who is disliked or considered wicked.
Usage & Nuances
"Wretch" is formal or old-fashioned in modern English, often found in literature or dramatic speech. It can express strong pity or contempt: 'poor wretch' (sympathy) or 'that wretch!' (anger/dislike). Not commonly used in casual conversation.
Spanish: desgraciado - infeliz - miserablePortuguese (BR): desgraçado - miserável - infelizPortuguese (PT): desgraçado - miserável - infelizChinese (Simplified): 可怜的人 - 不幸的人Chinese (Traditional): 可憐的人 - 不幸的人Hindi: दरिद्र व्यक्ति - दयनीय व्यक्तिArabic: بائس - مسكينBengali: অপরাধী - হতভাগাRussian: негодяй - беднягаJapanese: 哀れな人 - 悪党Vietnamese: kẻ khốn khổ - tên đê tiệnKorean: 불쌍한 사람 - 비열한 자Turkish: zavallı - aşağılık herifUrdu: بدبخت - کمینہIndonesian: người khốn khổ - kẻ đê tiện
Example Sentences
The poor wretch was hungry and cold.
basic
Everyone ignored the poor wretch on the street.
basic
The villain called his enemy a wretch.
basic
He looked like a complete wretch after losing his job.
natural
What a heartless wretch to steal from a child!
natural
She pitied the lonely old wretch sitting by the window.
natural