woe

[woʊ]

woe Definition

• 1. great sorrow or distress
• 2. trouble 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

Synonyms for woe

• sorrow
• distress
• misery
• anguish
• grief

Antonyms for woe

• joy
• happiness
• delight

Phrases with woe

• woe betide someone

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

  Example

  Woe betide anyone who crosses him.

• woe is me

  used to express one's own distress or misfortune

  Example

  Woe is me, I have lost my wallet.

• woe unto someone

  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.