Search Dictionary
Definition of wretchedness

wretchedness

/ˈrɛtʃɪdnəs/
wretch · ed · ness
Adverb:wretchedly
•
Adjective:wretched
JUMP TO:

wretchedness Lexical Profile

wretchedness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state of being in extreme misery, deep unhappiness, or severe poverty and misfortune.

Example

"The novel vividly portrays the sheer wretchedness of life in the overcrowded nineteenth-century tenements."

2

The quality of being despicable, contemptible, or of extremely poor standard.

Example

"Critics were quick to point out the utter wretchedness of the script and the uninspired acting."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for wretchedness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for wretchedness

• Nearby Words

wretch
wretched
wretchedly
wretchedness
wrexham
wriggle
wriggly

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'wretched', which comes from Old English 'wrecca' meaning an outcast or exile, combined with the noun-forming suffix '-ness'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Wretchedness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/wretchedness
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.