downtrodden

[ doun-trod-n ]

adjective

1. tyrannized over; oppressed:

   the downtrodden plebeians of ancient Rome.

2. trampled upon.

downtrodden

/ ˈdaʊnˌtrɒdən /

adjective

1. subjugated; oppressed
2. trodden down; trampled

Other Words From

• downtrodden·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of downtrodden¹

First recorded in 1560–70; down ¹ + trodden

Example Sentences

But it was good news to the poor, the diseased, the downtrodden and scorned, and all the “little” people.

From The Daily Beast

The Boulevard Carnot, the seedy, downtrodden street that leads out of town, proved the point on my last night there.

From The Daily Beast

But Alig is far from the unshaven and downtrodden man profiled in New York Magazine in 2007.

From The Daily Beast

Responding to all them—especially the ones from “downtrodden” teens in the middle of the country—made him feel good.

From The Daily Beast

He sympathized with the Irish downtrodden, African slaves, and American colonists of the late 1700s.

From The Daily Beast

When one has been downtrodden one's whole life, one becomes accustomed to it, and besides she loved the down-treader.

From Project Gutenberg

From ind to ind of the land, the downtrodden serfs of Ireland are rising in their millions.

From Project Gutenberg

Just as oppressive and as bitter as the weeping that issues from the downtrodden has been before, it will eternally be.

From Project Gutenberg

And thus, by always striving to be something higher, the downtrodden grass plant became a Man.

From Project Gutenberg

Thinks too much about the poor and the downtrodden to be very cheerful company; but somebody ought to look after 'em, I suppose.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• destitute
• distressed
• exploited
• needy
• oppressed
• persecuted