downtrodden

American  

[doun-trod-n] / ˈdaʊnˌtrɒd n /

Also downtrod

adjective

1. tyrannized over; oppressed.

   the downtrodden plebeians of ancient Rome.

2. trampled upon.

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downtrodden British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌtrɒdən /

adjective

1. subjugated; oppressed

2. trodden down; trampled

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Other Word Forms

• downtroddenness noun

Etymology

Origin of downtrodden

First recorded in 1560–70; down ¹ + trodden

Example Sentences

The facility’s namesake harbored no illusions that his donation might one day turn the downtrodden Hoosiers into the country’s top team.

From The Wall Street Journal

Where are the demands for justice and freedom for the downtrodden victims of a brutally repressive state?

From The Wall Street Journal

The Dardennes are frequently described as socially conscious filmmakers whose body of work constitutes an extended implied plea for more sympathy for the downtrodden.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to Ford’s biographer Richard Norton Smith, they feared their protective resources might be stretched dangerously thin in such a downtrodden place—a concern no doubt magnified by two earlier assassination attempts against the president.

From The Wall Street Journal

On social media, he can be seen cutting through the most downtrodden parts of Skid Row on his white and neon green Honda Grom minibike, almost always in search of a subject to document.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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