First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
wretched
adjective wretch·ed \ˈre-chəd\
: very unhappy, ill, etc.
: very bad or unpleasant
: very poor in quality or ability
Full Definition of WRETCHED
1
: deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind
2
: extremely or deplorably bad or distressing <was in wretched health> <a wretched accident>
3
a : being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible <dressed in wretched old clothes> b : very poor in quality or ability : inferior <wretched workmanship>
— wretch·ed·ly adverb
— wretch·ed·ness noun
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Origin of WRETCHED
Middle English, irregular from wretch
WRETCHEDNESS Defined for Kids
wretched
adjective wretch·ed \ˈre-chəd\
Definition of WRETCHED for Kids
1
: very unhappy or unfortunate : suffering greatly
2
: causing misery or distress <wretched living conditions>
3
: of very poor quality : inferior <wretched food> <I have a wretched memory.>
— wretch·ed·ly adverb
— wretch·ed·ness noun
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