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
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.
My resting face is downtrodden. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 June 2026 And the dejected diehard of a downtrodden franchise isn’t truly stuck in a one-sided detrimental relationship. — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026 Before diving into season 2, why not reacquaint yourself with The Pitt's heroic (and downtrodden) team? — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026 Setting expectations for a downtrodden player’s next season isn’t always easy, even when there’s an explanation for the statistical dropoff. — Al Melchior, New York Times, 24 Feb. 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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