downtrodden
Americanadjective
-
subjugated; oppressed
-
trodden down; trampled
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of downtrodden
Explanation
Someone who's downtrodden is mistreated by some powerful person or group. An exploited, underpaid worker is downtrodden. The adjective downtrodden is more often used to talk about groups of oppressed people, rather than one specific person. A history textbook might discuss the downtrodden masses rising up in a revolution against their rulers, for example. In the 1560s, downtrodden was first used to literally mean "stepped on," with the figurative meaning following soon after. Trodden, "that which is stepped on," comes from the verb tread.
Vocabulary lists containing downtrodden
Speak
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Murder on the Orient Express
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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.
This downtrodden expanse of the Antelope Valley unexpectedly achieved a remarkable turnaround last year, reducing by more than half the number of recreational vehicles squatting on its back roads.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026
If Infantino somehow pushes through his scheme to sell shares in the World Cup, he will do so — believe it or not — by casting himself as a defender of the downtrodden and underprivileged.
From Salon ● Aug. 2, 2026
Four years later, St. Louis has revitalized the downtrodden Canadiens and has Montreal dreaming of ending Canada’s 33-year Stanley Cup drought.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
"Shia Muslims have historically been the downtrodden of Lebanon," she said.
From BBC ● Apr. 13, 2026
Kleptocracies with little public support run the risk of being overthrown, either by downtrodden commoners or by upstart would-be replacement kleptocrats seeking public support by promising a higher ratio of services rendered to fruits stolen.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
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.
