woe

1 of 2

interjection

ˈwō How to pronounce woe (audio)
Synonyms of woe
—used to express grief, regret, or distress

woe

2 of 2

noun

plural woes
1
: a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief
2
: ruinous trouble : calamity, affliction
economic woes

Synonyms of woe

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Interjection

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for woe

sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind.

sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse.

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery.

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities

Examples of woe in a Sentence

Interjection ah, woe, with the death of the last of my siblings I am alone in this world! Noun The city's traffic woes are well-known. a tale of misery and woe
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.
Noun
Many past governors have regarded the mass transit system — with its aging train stations, slow buses, fractious labor groups and perennial budget woes — as more of a liability than an asset. — New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 Those requests range from support for new construction projects or upgrades, but more than half seek additional funds to shore up revenue for operating costs as budget woes persist. — Caroline Cummings, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 The Chiefs have had their fair share of kicking woes recently, as once-automatic Harrison Butker has struggled. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The best spot in all the capital region to go trick-or-treating is likely in your own neighborhood, as there are no extra parking woes and travel time needed. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for woe

Word History

Etymology

Interjection

Middle English wa, wo, from Old English wā; akin to Old Norse vei, interjection, woe, Latin vae

First Known Use

Interjection

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of woe was before the 12th century

Phrases Containing woe

Rhymes for woe

See All Rhymes for woe

Browse Nearby Words

Wodzisław Śląski
woe
woebegone
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Cite this Entry

“Woe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woe. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

woe

noun
ˈwō
1
: great suffering from loss, misfortune, or trouble
2
: trouble entry 2 sense 1b
economic woes
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