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Showing results for woeful. Search instead for woefuln.
Definitions

woeful

[woh-fuhl] / ˈwoʊ fəl /
ADJECTIVE
terrible, sad
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appalling awful calamitous deplorable disappointing disastrous dreadful feeble grim lamentable lousy miserable paltry pathetic pitiful shocking sorry wretched
WEAK
afflicted agonized anguished bad catastrophic cruel disconsolate disgraceful distressing doleful gloomy grieving grievous heartbreaking heartrending heartsick hopeless inadequate mean mournful piteous pitiable plaintive poor racked rotten sorrowful tortured tragic unfortunate unhappy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blessed cheerful comforting encouraging excellent fortunate good happy hopeful joyful lucky nice pleasing rich satisfactory wealthy wonderful worthwhile
WEAK
glad

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.

Covered for the ignominy of his historically woeful four-for-51 hitting performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

A woeful defeat by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest leaves Spurs above the Premier League's bottom three by a point.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Steve Borthwick's boss has given the England coach his backing, but says there will be a full examination of the woeful Six Nations campaign after the team's final-round match against France on Saturday.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

Sesko's fifth goal in his last six games maintained his recent improvement after a woeful start to his first season at United following his move from Leipzig.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

“You married her, but you won’t marry me?” he asked in a dramatically woeful tone.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows