What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
miserable
Example
She felt miserable after the breakup. [miserable: adjective]
Example
He looked miserable all day because of his toothache. [miserable: adjective]
Example
The weather was so miserable that we had to cancel our plans. [miserable: adjective]
wretched
Example
The refugees were living in wretched conditions. [wretched: adjective]
Example
He felt wretched after losing his job. [wretched: adjective]
Example
The poor dog looked wretched and hungry. [wretched: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miserable is more commonly used than wretched in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of situations and emotions. Wretched is more formal and less common, and is typically used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between miserable and wretched?
Wretched is more formal than miserable, and is typically used in more serious or literary contexts. Miserable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
