downtrodden

adjective

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

Synonyms of downtrodden

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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
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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.
Sandler stars as a downtrodden deli worker who steps up to protect his fellow Salem residents from a Halloween-night kidnapping spree. — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2026 Living a dozen miles from their closest neighbor (who has a grudge with Lester), even further from the closest town (a downtrodden shell of its former self), and further still from any sort of hope — or temptation. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026 In the end, a downtrodden Sporting side came close to picking up an upset win but settled for a 1-1 draw. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 The series tracks the pair’s investment in Wrexham AFC, a once-downtrodden team in Wales that has since risen to the verge of a promotion to the Premier League, the highest tier of British pro soccer. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 2026 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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Browse Nearby Words

downtrod
downtrodden
downturn
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Cite this Entry

“Downtrodden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtrodden. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

downtrodden

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