wretch
Americannoun
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a deplorably unfortunate or unhappy person.
-
a person of despicable or base character.
noun
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a despicable person
-
a person pitied for his misfortune
Etymology
Origin of wretch
before 900; Middle English wrecche, Old English wrecca exile, adventurer; cognate with German Recke warrior, hero, Old Norse rekkr man
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me.
From Literature
If Zabka weren’t so charming, we couldn’t have bought the proposition that an ignorant wretch like Johnny could be redeemable.
From Salon
This pathetic wretch longs to escape to Istanbul, where he can be around the worldly types he prefers.
From Los Angeles Times
At Rachel’s burial, Jackson angrily said, “I can and do forgive all my enemies. But those vile wretches who have slandered her must look to God for mercy.”
From Literature
You know, the one where “The wretch, concentred all in self / Living, shall forfeit fair renown”?
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
