downtrodden

Also downtrod

[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 Word Forms

• downtroddenness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of downtrodden¹

First recorded in 1560–70; down ¹ + trodden

Example Sentences

Or diversify your holdings by adding more value stocks and high-quality names in downtrodden sectors such as healthcare.

Read more on Barron's

When the University of North Carolina hired Bill Belichick to coach their downtrodden football team, it looked like a sensational coup.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Our lives are downtrodden with politics and with war and with the world suffering.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been,” he wrote.

Read more on Salon

Even non-comic book fans know that the hero born Kal-El on Krypton was always a goody-goody who stood up to bullies and protected the downtrodden.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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