state of misery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "state of misery" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation characterized by extreme unhappiness or suffering. Example: "After losing his job and going through a difficult divorce, he found himself in a state of misery that seemed unending."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

That leaves Gaza suspended in a state of misery that defies easy categorization.

The New York Times

And then I left, in another state of misery, of having failed again.

The New Yorker

The Detroit Free Press's Michael Rosenberg wrote about the Mavericks game and picked apart the Pistons current state of misery.

The New York Times

It was heartbreaking to witness him in such a state of misery and to not be able to help him.

The Guardian - Opinion

From the get-go Mr. Hawke appears in such an advanced, manic state of misery that your instinct is to call for a straitjacket.

The New York Times

Nor, of course, would be the inner circle of Hillary Clinton's advisers be in such a state of misery and mutual finger-pointing as it is now.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Tomorrow afternoon and then again on Monday evening you can take an invigorating tour through several states of misery and squalor in "All Too Human," described as "Three Chronicles of Abject Lives".

The New York Times

In a state of "unmanageable misery", Wallace evidently suffered far more than Franzen.

The Guardian - Books

Much of it focusses on a Logan in a state of intense misery, but there are also glimpses of Patrick Stewart's Charles Xavier and Caliban (Stephen Merchant).

The Guardian - Film

Rather, he would remain at home in a state of tortured misery that would increase over the course of the movie, like a pressure-cooker with no off switch, until viewers finally tore their own eyes out in a fit of abject wretchedness.

The Guardian - Film

So Ed was infinitely better, but I was still in a state of total misery.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "state of misery" to effectively describe prolonged or intense unhappiness, ensuring the context clearly supports the severity of the situation. For example, "The refugees lived in a constant "state of misery" after losing their homes."

Common error

Avoid using "state of misery" to describe mild or temporary unhappiness. Reserve it for situations involving profound and sustained suffering to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "state of misery" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a particular condition or situation characterized by extreme unhappiness or suffering, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "state of misery" is a noun phrase effectively used to depict prolonged and intense unhappiness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant its gravity, preventing overuse in trivial contexts. Related phrases like ""condition of suffering"" offer nuanced alternatives, allowing for precise expression. When employing this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure its appropriateness and impact. Keep in mind that misery describes a difficult and unhappy condition but depression refers to a mental health issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condition of suffering

Focuses on the experience of suffering, rather than the encompassing situation.

depths of despair

Implies a greater intensity and profoundness of hopelessness.

pit of anguish

Conveys a sense of being trapped in intense emotional pain.

abyss of wretchedness

Emphasizes a profound and irredeemable state of unhappiness.

realm of sorrow

Suggests a world or environment defined by sadness.

period of hardship

Highlights the difficult and challenging nature of the circumstances.

time of adversity

Focuses on facing challenges and difficulties.

cycle of pain

Implies a recurring pattern of suffering and distress.

era of tribulation

Suggests a prolonged period marked by trials and suffering.

moment of grief

Specifically refers to sorrow experienced due to loss.

FAQs

How can I use "state of misery" in a sentence?

Use "state of misery" to describe a prolonged period of profound unhappiness or suffering. For example: "After the company went bankrupt, the employees were left in a "state of misery".

What phrases are similar to "state of misery"?

Similar phrases include "condition of suffering", "depths of despair", or "pit of anguish", which all convey deep unhappiness but with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "state of misery" in formal writing?

Yes, "state of misery" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a situation of significant suffering. However, consider the audience and context to ensure it is the most effective choice.

What's the difference between "state of misery" and "state of depression"?

"State of misery" refers to a general condition of unhappiness and suffering, while "state of depression" describes a specific mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest. Depression is a clinical term with diagnostic criteria.