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

“When I first heard about ‘The Gilded Age,’ I was like, ‘Oh, what servant am I going to be asked to play? What downtrodden character?’

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No doubt the postal workers in Plinkst were as miserable and downtrodden as the rest of the town.

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“It’s a bit downtrodden, don’t I know! But that’s the life of the starving artist for you.”

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But during an off-day workout, the club tried to rebound from that disappointment and reframe the downtrodden mindset that permeated the clubhouse after Game 5.

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

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Related Words

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