abject misery

USAGE SUMMARY

"abject misery" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to convey extreme sadness, suffering, or hopelessness. Example: The refugees in the war-torn country were living in abject misery, with little access to food, clean water, or shelter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They represented a study in abject misery.

The Guardian - Sport

Those who survive will endure abject misery.

The Guardian

The babies are wailing, and the look on the mothers' faces is of abject misery.

The New York Times

Once again, he had been instrumental in a woman's abject misery.

The New Yorker

The scene conveyed abject misery and, at the same time, a certain cheerful Dutch orderliness.

The New Yorker

For the actor Colin Firth, history lessons at school were "abject misery".

Independent

A point of view other than abject misery … Human Flow by Ai Weiwei.

The Guardian - Film

Even the patrons of the Guardian local, The Slug & Abject Misery, are excited about this one.

The Guardian - Sport

Not having breakfast is a surefire downward spiral to abject misery, hence the genius of this week's theme.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Living without Dad would be abject misery and who would want to live in abject misery?' "She said the two things she would be saddest to leave were her garden and Hannah Rose, but she was definitely going.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Gubaidulina intended her work as an eagle-eyed view of a riven world abject misery on the one hand, empty-headed pleasure-seeking on the other and she found a potent metaphor for her vision.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abject misery" to describe situations of extreme and unrelenting suffering, where there is little to no hope of improvement. Ensure the context clearly supports the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "abject misery" to describe situations that are merely disappointing or slightly unpleasant. This phrase is reserved for severe conditions, and its overuse can diminish its impact when describing truly dire circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abject misery" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase effectively communicates a state of extreme suffering or hopelessness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abject misery" is a commonly used phrase to describe a state of extreme suffering and hopelessness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in formal and informal contexts to evoke empathy and underscore the severity of a situation. While highly effective, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact. Remember to consider alternative phrases such as "utter despair" or "profound suffering" to add nuance to your writing. This phrase appears most frequently in news and media outlets and in academic writing, reflecting its role in serious and somber discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter despair

Focuses on the complete loss of hope.

profound suffering

Emphasizes the depth of the pain experienced.

complete hopelessness

Highlights the absence of any positive outlook.

deep sorrow

Implies a more personal and emotional anguish.

extreme wretchedness

Stresses the miserable and unfortunate condition.

unmitigated grief

Conveys a sense of sorrow without relief.

absolute desolation

Paints a picture of utter emptiness and ruin.

crushing sadness

Highlights the overwhelming weight of sorrow.

intense anguish

Focuses on the severe mental or physical suffering.

total dejection

Emphasizes the feeling of being utterly dispirited.

FAQs

How can I use "abject misery" in a sentence?

You can use "abject misery" to describe a state of extreme suffering or hopelessness. For example: "The refugees lived in "abject misery" after losing their homes."

What are some alternatives to "abject misery"?

Alternatives to "abject misery" include "utter despair", "profound suffering", or "complete hopelessness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "abject misery" and "deep sadness"?

"Abject misery" implies a state of extreme and often prolonged suffering, while "deep sadness" suggests a more personal and emotional anguish that may not necessarily be as severe or pervasive.

Is "abject misery" an overused phrase?

While "abject misery" is a strong and evocative phrase, it should be used judiciously. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so consider whether the context truly warrants such an intense expression. Use alternative phrases like "extreme wretchedness" or "intense anguish" for variety.