downtrodden

adjective

down·​trod·​den ˈdau̇n-ˈträ-dᵊn How to pronounce downtrodden (audio)
: suffering oppression

Examples of downtrodden in a Sentence

They were poor and downtrodden. a war that was supposed to liberate the downtrodden citizens of that nation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Connelly’s easy-going leadership style has helped relax what could often be a nervous, downtrodden basketball operations department. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Once again, our protagonist is forced into a compromising position on the eve of a critical business deal when a downtrodden kidnapper mistakes his driver’s son for his own kid, Trey (Aubrey Joseph). David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 19 May 2025 Welcome to Wrexham season 4 It's been four years since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney brought a downtrodden soccer club, Wrexham FC, to the spotlight in a real-life Ted Lasso situation. Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 16 May 2025 Through little eyebrow raises, adjustments to the set of his mouth, and his slumped posture on Smiley’s couch, Hardy communicates how downtrodden Tarr feels. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for downtrodden

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downtrodden was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downtrodden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downtrodden. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

downtrodden

adjective
down·​trod·​den ˈdau̇n-ˈträd-ᵊn How to pronounce downtrodden (audio)
: crushed by superior power

More from Merriam-Webster on downtrodden

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!