What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
woe
Example
She was filled with woe after her dog passed away. [woe: noun]
Example
The company faced financial woe after the stock market crash. [woe: noun]
misery
Example
The hiker was in misery after getting lost in the woods. [misery: noun]
Example
He lived a life of misery due to his chronic illness. [misery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Misery is more commonly used in everyday language than woe. It is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of negative experiences, while woe is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between woe and misery?
Both woe and misery can be used in formal or informal contexts, but woe may be considered more literary or poetic in nature.
