What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
miserability
Example
The miserability of the refugees was heart-wrenching. [miserability: noun]
Example
He lived in miserability after losing his job and his home. [miserability: noun]
unhappiness
Example
She couldn't hide her unhappiness with her current situation. [unhappiness: noun]
Example
He felt unhappy with his life and wanted to make changes. [unhappy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unhappiness is more commonly used than miserability in everyday language. Unhappiness is a versatile term that covers a wide range of negative emotional states, while miserability is less common and refers to an extreme and intense form of unhappiness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between miserability and unhappiness?
Both miserability and unhappiness are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
