downtrodden

adjective

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

Synonyms

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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.
Following a downtrodden young woman, her wicked stepmother and spoiled stepsisters, and the Prince Charming who changes her life, Cinderella has seen many cinematic adaptations over the years. — EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Although spring training is the time for even the most downtrodden of teams to speak optimistically, the way that the Angels talk about Fasano goes beyond the normal cliches. — Jeff Fletcher, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2025 This was a battle over who gets to claim the mantle of the Kennedys, who for so long were the first family of Democratic politics, with their talk about government service and helping the poor and downtrodden. — Adam Nagourney, New York Times, 29 Jan. 2025 At the time, Ms. Merkel praised the German public for embracing downtrodden migrants, even those who did not qualify for official refugee status. — Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2025 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

Phrases Containing downtrodden

Rhymes for downtrodden

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Cite this Entry

“Downtrodden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtrodden. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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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

Nglish: Translation of downtrodden for Spanish Speakers

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