misery
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for misery, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A state of deep unhappiness, suffering, or distress.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use misery
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin miseria, from miser ("wretched").
Full origin of misery →Frequently asked questions
What does “misery” mean?
The word “misery” means a state of deep unhappiness, suffering, or distress. In plain terms, deep unhappiness or suffering, or something that causes it.
How do you pronounce “misery”?
“Misery” is pronounced MIHZ-rih (/ˈmɪz(ə)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “misery” in a sentence?
Here is “misery” used in a sentence: “The refugees endured months of misery before finding shelter.”
What part of speech is “misery”?
“Misery” is a noun.
Where does the word “misery” come from?
The word “misery” comes from Latin. From Latin miseria, from miser ("wretched").
Is “misery” a common word?
“Misery” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “misery” have?
“Misery” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a state of deep unhappiness, suffering, or distress.
What is the difference between 'misery' and 'sadness'?
Sadness is a normal, often temporary emotion, while misery is a deeper, more prolonged state of unhappiness, suffering, or distress. Misery suggests intense or ongoing wretchedness, whereas sadness can be mild and passing.
What is the difference between 'misery' and 'suffering'?
Suffering emphasizes the experience of pain or hardship, often physical, while misery focuses on the emotional state of deep unhappiness that can result. A person may suffer physically and feel misery emotionally at the same time.
What are common expressions using 'misery'?
Common phrases include 'put someone out of their misery,' 'misery loves company,' and 'a life of misery.' Each draws on the word's core meaning of deep unhappiness or distress.
Is 'misery' countable or uncountable?
'Misery' is usually uncountable when it means a state of deep unhappiness, as in 'years of misery.' It becomes countable when referring to specific hardships that cause unhappiness, as in 'the miseries of war.'