absolute misery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolute misery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or suffering. Example: "After losing his job and going through a tough breakup, he found himself in absolute misery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Absolute misery, but those cheese-stuffed burgers after the race were tasty.

The New York Times

"The average citizen is going to face absolute misery," he said.

The New York Times

"It's an absolute misery, and you can quote me on that," he said.

The New York Times

Bullies were allowed to thrive in this organisation, they were almost untouchable and they were able to make people's lives an absolute misery".

The Guardian

Whatever else there is to say about this entreaty, one part that is indisputably true is that this land-locked, ruggedly beautiful nation is in absolute misery.

The New York Times

At first it's horrific; for a day or two (or three, if you're a really slow learner) the process is absolute misery.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The scourge of absolute economic misery among billions of the world's people is one of the most serious problems facing humankind today.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Of the world's 6.7 billion people (as of 2008), 1.3 billion lived on less than $1.25 Purchasing Power Parity dollars per person per day and another 1.7 billion lived on between $1.25 and $2.50 PPP dollars (Chen and Ravallion, 2012).1 The scourge of absolute economic misery among billions of the world's people is one of the most serious problems facing humankind today.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

It is a token both of an infinite misery, in relation to the absolute being of whom humans have an inkling, and of infinite grandeur, in relation to the beasts, and results from the perpetual collision of these two infinities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Child Poverty Action Group has said lowering the cap "would pile on the misery for working and non-working families already struggling to pay for absolute basics".

BBC

There is no problem in presupposing that the worst possible misery for everyone is bad and worth avoiding and that normative morality consists, at an absolute minimum, in acting so as to avoid it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience when using this phrase. It is appropriate for serious or dramatic situations but may be too strong for casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "absolute misery" in situations that don't warrant such a strong expression. Using it for minor inconveniences can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolute misery" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of extreme unhappiness or suffering. As Ludwig indicates, it accurately conveys a powerful negative emotion and is frequently used to emphasize the intensity of a dire situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolute misery" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe extreme unhappiness or suffering. As noted by Ludwig, it is particularly effective in emphasizing the intensity of a negative experience. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, conveying serious topics to a broad audience. While versatile, avoid overuse in casual conversation to preserve its impact. Alternatives include "utter despair" and "complete anguish", allowing for nuanced expression. Therefore, use "absolute misery" judiciously to add emotional weight to your writing while maintaining appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter despair

Emphasizes a complete loss of hope and a feeling of helplessness, focusing on the emotional state.

complete anguish

Highlights the intense suffering and mental distress experienced.

sheer torment

Conveys a sense of prolonged and intense suffering, both physical and mental.

unmitigated suffering

Stresses that the suffering is not lessened or relieved in any way.

profound wretchedness

Implies a deep and encompassing state of unhappiness and misfortune.

deep desolation

Focuses on the feeling of emptiness and loneliness that accompanies intense suffering.

abject hopelessness

Emphasizes the complete absence of any positive expectation or chance of improvement.

total devastation

Suggests a catastrophic event or situation that has caused widespread destruction and suffering.

pure agony

Highlights the intense and unbearable nature of the suffering.

unrelenting sorrow

Conveys a sense of grief that persists without ceasing or diminishing.

FAQs

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

You can use "absolute misery" to describe a situation or feeling of intense unhappiness. For example: "After the flood, the town was in a state of "absolute misery"."

What phrases are similar to "absolute misery"?

Similar phrases include "utter despair", "complete anguish", or "sheer torment", which all describe intense suffering or unhappiness.

Is "absolute misery" a formal or informal expression?

"Absolute misery" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in descriptive writing or serious discussions.

When should I avoid using "absolute misery"?

Avoid using "absolute misery" in lighthearted or casual situations where it might sound overly dramatic. It's best reserved for describing genuinely severe or distressing circumstances.