wretch
Americannoun
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a deplorably unfortunate or unhappy person.
-
a person of despicable or base character.
noun
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a despicable person
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a person pitied for his misfortune
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of wretch
before 900; Middle English wrecche, Old English wrecca exile, adventurer; cognate with German Recke warrior, hero, Old Norse rekkr man
Explanation
A wretch is someone who is so miserable and unlucky that you almost have to feel sorry for the person. You might pity the poor wretch who was fired at work over something that wasn’t even his fault. Wretch traces back to the Old English word wrecca, meaning “banished person” — so no wonder a wretch is so unhappy! A wretch is in such a bad situation that a sense of pity typically goes along with the word, and you’ll often see the terms “poor wretch” or “unfortunate wretch.” Wretch can also be used more informally to describe someone who’s wicked or hateful, like that ungrateful wretch who complained to the boss when you brought snacks to work.
Vocabulary lists containing wretch
A Midsummer Night's Dream
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Beowulf: A New Telling
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Anthem
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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.
The display was set to the couple's favourite song, 6 Words by Wretch 32.
From BBC • Aug. 27, 2023
He shares this proclivity with one of his musical heroes, the British rapper Wretch 32, born Jermaine Sinclaire Scott.
From New York Times • Nov. 29, 2022
With assistance from Ella May, Wretch 32 and Kelis he cooks up a compelling celebration of blackness, family, love and hard work, set to an infectiously sunny blend of psychedelic funk and soul.
From BBC • Jul. 26, 2022
There's something about London-born rapper Wretch 32's laidback flow that means he comes into his own more when the BPM is lowered.
From The Guardian • Jul. 29, 2013
If you intend to try your Power or Skill, A Nobler way pursue the great Design: The meanest Wretch on Earth knows how to kill; But to preserve from Death's an Act Divine. 180VII.
From Olinda's Adventures: or the Amours of a Young Lady by Anonymous
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.
