woe

[woʊ]

woe Definition

  • 1great sorrow or distress
  • 2trouble or difficulty

Using woe: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "woe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The country is in economic woe.

  • Example

    She was filled with woe when she heard the news of her father's death.

  • Example

    The company is facing financial woes due to mismanagement.

  • Example

    He expressed his woe over the loss of his job.

woe Synonyms and Antonyms

Phrases with woe

  • used to express that someone will be in serious trouble if they do something

    Example

    Woe betide anyone who crosses him.

  • used to express one's own distress or misfortune

    Example

    Woe is me, I have lost my wallet.

  • used to express that someone will suffer punishment or misfortune

    Example

    Woe unto those who break the law.

Origins of woe

from Old English 'wā', meaning 'woe, sorrow, grief'

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Summary: woe in Brief

The term 'woe' [woʊ] refers to great sorrow or distress, as well as trouble or difficulty. It can be used to describe personal or collective hardship, such as 'She was filled with woe when she heard the news of her father's death.' 'Woe' also appears in phrases like 'woe betide someone,' warning of serious trouble, and 'woe is me,' expressing one's own distress.

How do native speakers use this expression?