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.
And in so doing, that familiar feeling of hope and optimism has come flooding back for Bears fans, who just three months ago were again left downtrodden and dejected during an abysmal 10-game losing streak. Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 In a matter of weeks, Poles has gone from being the GM of a downtrodden team that lost its way through headline-worthy blunders on the field and fired its head coach to being the GM of a re-energized organization that just hired one of the most coveted candidates in recent coaching cycles. Adam Jahns, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 The play is also cut so that, while the lower class denizens of this downtrodden village are mentioned constantly, they’re not really seen, heightening the interactions among the town’s swindling leaders and their swindling faux-inspector guest. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025 At long last, downtrodden DePaul was finally about to produce an indelible moment at the Big East Tournament. Mike Fitzpatrick, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Downtrodden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtrodden. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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

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