extremely miserable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extremely miserable" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize how unhappy someone or something is. For example: "The weather was extremely miserable on the day of the funeral."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

You will also encounter John Bigg, hermit of Dinton, Bucks, looking extremely miserable.

The Guardian

"I was extremely miserable," he explained, having found the weather as chilly as the locals.

The Guardian

Except, in my case, it was more like being happy and extremely miserable at the same time.

The Guardian - Books

"Helicopters and tanks are bombing Jisr from all the sides and the situation is extremely miserable — they are even targeting cars carrying civilians and the wounded," he said.

The New York Times

The temperature has really dropped here and it's down to about freezing right now and literally millions of people are enduring an extremely miserable night – especially in flooded areas.

The Guardian

A generation caught between the selfie – yes, often ironic and gurning – and actual mirrors that make many girls extremely miserable also lives with the idea that the relaying of every interior monologue is communication.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Usually we just give the kids Dramamine, but on trips in the past we have found that it totally knocks them out for about two hours and when they wake up, they are extremely grumpy, miserable and hungover.

Huffington Post

Here's an extract: For Labour the results are utterly miserable, with extremely few exceptions (the party strangely gained a couple of seats in Nelson, Lancashire, despite the general collapse, and nearly held firm in Hastings).

The Guardian

"It wasn't your fault--we are extremely unsuited and managed to make each other miserable..

Los Angeles Times

Extremely happy in the company of Clark, Lewis found himself supremely miserable without it.

The New York Times - Books

A foreign body in the ear is extremely distracting, can cause nausea, and can make the patient miserable until it is removed.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for impactful writing, use "extremely miserable" to amplify the degree of unhappiness or suffering. It's more effective than simply saying "miserable".

Common error

Avoid using "extremely miserable" in highly formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. Consider alternatives like "profoundly unhappy" or "deeply distressed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extremely miserable" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being. It intensifies the adjective "miserable", indicating a heightened degree of unhappiness or suffering. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and used to emphasize unhappiness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extremely miserable" is a grammatically sound and intensifier adjective phrase used to convey a strong sense of unhappiness or suffering. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides examples in various contexts. While not exceptionally common, the phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as in wikis and scientific publications. When writing, it is best to leverage the expression in generalist and neutral register contexts while keeping in mind the multiple options provided to adjust the emphasis and emotional charge according to the specific writing goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply unhappy

Focuses on the internal emotional state of profound sadness.

terribly distressed

Highlights the emotional and mental strain experienced.

intensely sad

Focuses specifically on the intense feeling of sadness experienced.

woefully depressed

Strongly implies a state of clinical depression and deep sadness.

exceptionally glum

Emphasizes a particularly downcast or gloomy mood.

gravely disheartened

Emphasizes a significant loss of enthusiasm and motivation.

utterly dejected

Emphasizes a stronger sense of hopelessness and discouragement.

profoundly despondent

Indicates a deep and lasting state of low spirits and discouragement.

completely forlorn

Suggests a feeling of being abandoned and utterly hopeless.

thoroughly wretched

Highlights a state of extreme discomfort and unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I use "extremely miserable" in a sentence?

You can use "extremely miserable" to describe a state of intense unhappiness. For example, "The weather was "extremely miserable" during the storm" or "He felt "extremely miserable" after the loss".

What are some alternatives to "extremely miserable"?

Some alternatives include "utterly dejected", "deeply unhappy", or "thoroughly wretched", depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "extremely miserable"?

Yes, "extremely miserable" is grammatically correct. "Extremely" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "miserable", intensifying its meaning.

What is the difference between "miserable" and "extremely miserable"?

"Extremely miserable" emphasizes a higher degree of unhappiness compared to simply "miserable". It conveys a sense of intensified suffering or distress.