wretch
1 synonym for wretch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who is very unhappy or in a pitiful, miserable condition.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
poor devil
Etymology
This word came into English via Middle English wrecche, which developed from Old English wreċċa (“exile, outcast”), from Proto-Germanic *wrakjô (“exile, fugitive, warrior”), from Proto-Indo-European *wreg- (“to track, follow”). It is a doublet of garçon.
Full origin of wretch →Frequently asked questions
What does “wretch” mean?
The word “wretch” means a person who is very unhappy or in a pitiful, miserable condition. In plain terms, someone to be pitied for their misery — or, jokingly, someone you think is a rascal.
How do you pronounce “wretch”?
“Wretch” is pronounced rehch (/ɹɛt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “wretch” in a sentence?
Here is “wretch” used in a sentence: “The poor wretch had been living on the streets for years.”
What part of speech is “wretch”?
“Wretch” is a noun.
How many meanings does “wretch” have?
“Wretch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who is very unhappy or in a pitiful, miserable condition.
