downtrodden

adjective

down·​trod·​den ˈdau̇n-ˈträ-dᵊn How to pronounce downtrodden (audio)
: suffering oppression

Examples of downtrodden in a Sentence

They were poor and downtrodden. a war that was supposed to liberate the downtrodden citizens of that nation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But its depiction of a downtrodden outcast who embraces violence and clown makeup also existed in the orbit of edgelord 4chan memes and the 2012 Aurora mass shooting, which took place at a screening of The Dark Knight Rises. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024 By blending whisky with the tears of downtrodden fans, Crierball takes the same playbook and spins it into the world of sports fandom. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 None of the Devils' remaining opponents may be more downtrodden than the Cowboys, losers of five straight Big 12 games. Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 28 Oct. 2024 The story centers on a downtrodden family, who, in a desperate bid for fortune, risks it all as high-society fraudsters in a daring scheme to make their sole daughter the trophy bride of an elite family. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for downtrodden 

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downtrodden was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near downtrodden

Cite this Entry

“Downtrodden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtrodden. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

downtrodden

adjective
down·​trod·​den ˈdau̇n-ˈträd-ᵊn How to pronounce downtrodden (audio)
: crushed by superior power

More from Merriam-Webster on downtrodden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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