noun

wretch

rehch

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Wretch (noun) means a person who is very unhappy or in a pitiful, miserable condition. Example: “The poor wretch had been living on the streets for years.”

noun

A person who is very unhappy or in a pitiful, miserable condition.

"The poor wretch had been living on the streets for years."

An unpleasant or despicable person, often used humorously.

"Get out of here, you miserable wretch!"

How to use wretch

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone to be pitied for their misery — or, jokingly, someone you think is a rascal.

When to use it

Slightly literary or old-fashioned; more common in fiction than everyday speech.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: wretches

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The poor _____ had been living on the streets for years.

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.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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poor devil

Rhymes for wretch

tch etch itch vetch Dutch catch batch pitch bitch watch witch hutch

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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.