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Synonyms

downtrodden

American  
[doun-trod-n] / ˈdaʊnˌtrɒd n /
Also downtrod

adjective

  1. tyrannized over; oppressed.

    the downtrodden plebeians of ancient Rome.

  2. trampled upon.

downtrodden British  
/ ˈdaʊnˌtrɒdən /

adjective

  1. subjugated; oppressed

  2. trodden down; trampled

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • downtroddenness noun

Etymology

Origin of downtrodden

First recorded in 1560–70; down 1 + trodden

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.

But from the Old Testament to the New, it consistently preaches for the faithful to humble themselves, to help the poor and downtrodden.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

In light of the various industry-focused stock-market declines driven by AI adoption, some professional investors have been jumping onto downtrodden stocks.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 13, 2026

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 • Dec. 19, 2025

Oracle’s downtrodden stock lost another 12% in after-hours trading Wednesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

“But what about the downtrodden people, Wilse? Ain’t slavery becomin’ more of a festerin’ hurt each year?

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt

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.