miserable existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "miserable existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a life that is filled with suffering, unhappiness, or hardship. Example: "After losing his job and going through a difficult divorce, he felt he was living a miserable existence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

End your miserable existence.

Independent

"It's just a miserable existence".

The New Yorker

But it's still a miserable existence.

The Economist

On the walls, diaries purportedly written by these women showed a miserable existence.

Independent

Now, details have begun to emerge of Broomhilda's abhorrently miserable existence.

The Guardian - Film

People told us that they deplored "the miserable existence" of a life on benefits.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wells's antipathy to his birthplace may be coloured by the fact that he led a miserable existence as a child.

Independent

Mr. Zheng, 50, who holds a degree in marine biology from Xiamen University, said he had a miserable existence overseas.

The New York Times

France and Britain are awash with graduates without jobs, or eking out a miserable existence as interns.

The Guardian - Opinion

This makes for a miserable existence for the calves, and is reflected in the quality of the meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As the Saints march toward history, Diliberto remains responsible for a slice of it, for the bag that symbolized the Saints and their long, miserable existence.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's life as a "miserable existence", provide specific details to illustrate the nature and extent of their suffering. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "miserable existence" as a generic descriptor. Instead, ground the description with tangible examples of hardship, lack of opportunity, or emotional distress to give the phrase greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "miserable existence" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'miserable' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'existence'. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase is used to depict a life filled with suffering and unhappiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "miserable existence" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a life filled with suffering and unhappiness. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While widely used, it's important to provide context when using this phrase to effectively convey the specific hardships being experienced. Alternatives such as "wretched life" or "dismal life" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wretched life

Focuses on the life aspect, emphasizing the suffering experienced.

depressing existence

Emphasizes the emotionally draining and disheartening nature of life.

bleak existence

Emphasizes the lack of hope or positive aspects in life.

dismal life

Emphasizes the bleak and depressing aspects of life.

sorrowful existence

Focuses on the sadness and grief present in one's life.

unhappy life

A more general term for a life lacking happiness.

painful existence

Highlights the suffering and hardship endured.

tragic life

Highlights the unfortunate and sorrowful nature of a life.

pathetic life

Suggests a life that is pitiable and inadequate.

difficult life

A more neutral term for a life filled with challenges and struggles.

FAQs

What does "miserable existence" mean?

A "miserable existence" refers to a life characterized by persistent unhappiness, suffering, and hardship. It implies a state of deep dissatisfaction and adversity.

What can I say instead of "miserable existence"?

You can use alternatives like "wretched life", "unhappy life", or "dismal life" depending on the context.

How can I effectively use "miserable existence" in a sentence?

To effectively use "miserable existence", provide context that illustrates the reasons for the misery. For example, "The protagonist's "miserable existence" was marked by poverty, illness, and social isolation."

What is the difference between "miserable existence" and "difficult life"?

While both terms describe hardship, "miserable existence" implies a deeper and more pervasive sense of unhappiness and suffering than a "difficult life", which may simply refer to a life filled with challenges.