in wretchedness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in wretchedness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme misery or suffering, often in a literary or emotional context. Example: "He lived in wretchedness, haunted by the memories of his past mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Finally, he stumbles into the desert, where Rapunzel lives in wretchedness with their twin children.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes Russians are too used to living in wretchedness to be able to enjoy something of quality," he said.

The New York Times

"And now I am going to do whatever I can to oppose policies that have already resulted in wretchedness".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is partly because Albee follows an ancient rule of tragedy defined by Boethius as "a story of prosperity that endeth in wretchedness".

The Guardian

It is not because the material is raw, with its accounts of lesbian sex invariably ending in wretchedness, but because the writing is.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The family now lives in the wretchedness of Tajabad, one of Peshawar's many squatter colonies that teem with Afghan refugees.

The New York Times

Eva is simultaneously at the centre of this atrocity and at its margin: she must pay dearly in her wretchedness every waking moment and yet can make no restitution.

The Guardian - Film

It's that powerful in its wretchedness.

Vice

Once sounded, that note of brotherly encouragement ("I see them and complain not and am content with all") never died; watch John Ford's film of "The Grapes of Wrath," and you find the title's fury starting to ease in the gentle framing of the Joads' resilient expressions, and in the sense that every searcher, even in hours of wretchedness, could take heart from the swell of fellow-feeling.

The New Yorker

He remembers all the signs of Chinese wretchedness in the city when he had been there before.

The New Yorker

Apparently it never occurred to the merchants that an improvement of wages and working conditions — which Dolin documents in all their wretchedness — might stanch the flow.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in wretchedness" to evoke a strong sense of misery and despair, particularly when describing a character's emotional state or a dire situation. It's most effective in literary or narrative contexts where emotional impact is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "in wretchedness" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its intensity can sound melodramatic or unnatural in less serious contexts; opt for phrases like "in misery" or "in despair" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in wretchedness" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by describing the state or condition in which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in wretchedness" is a valid and usable English phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily functioning as an adverbial phrase to describe a state of extreme suffering. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, used to convey strong emotions of misery and despair. While grammatically correct, it's best reserved for formal or narrative writing where its intensity is appropriate, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Consider alternatives like ""in misery"" or ""in despair"" for less intense situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in misery

Focuses more on the emotional state of unhappiness, less on the circumstances.

in despair

Emphasizes a loss of hope, differing slightly from the broader suffering implied by "in wretchedness".

in abject misery

Intensifies the feeling of misery, highlighting its extreme nature.

in dire straits

Shifts the focus to the difficult circumstances, rather than the emotional state.

in great suffering

Highlights the experience of pain and hardship.

in deep sorrow

Specifically relates to sadness and grief.

in a state of destitution

Focuses on poverty and lack of resources.

in abject poverty

Intensifies the lack of resources and highlights its extreme nature.

in extreme hardship

Highlights the severe difficulties experienced.

in lamentable conditions

Focuses on the pitiable and unfortunate circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "in wretchedness" in a sentence?

The phrase "in wretchedness" typically describes a state of extreme misery or suffering. For example, "After losing everything, he lived "in wretchedness", haunted by his past."

What's a less intense alternative to "in wretchedness"?

If "in wretchedness" feels too strong, consider alternatives such as "in misery", "in despair", or "in suffering" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "in wretchedness" in formal writing?

Yes, "in wretchedness" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially in literature or historical analysis where you want to convey a strong sense of despair or suffering. Be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately.

What is the difference between "in wretchedness" and "in poverty"?

"In wretchedness" describes a state of profound misery and unhappiness, while "in poverty" refers specifically to a lack of financial resources. While poverty can contribute to wretchedness, the two terms are not interchangeable.