thoroughly miserable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly miserable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or discomfort. Example: "After the long and exhausting journey, I felt thoroughly miserable and just wanted to go home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

I was thoroughly miserable.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, he looked thoroughly miserable.

The Guardian - Sport

"It does not?" Now Clapper looks thoroughly miserable.

The New Yorker

(It must be thoroughly miserable being a B.C.C.I. operative.

The New York Times

Could someone be thoroughly miserable yet be convinced they were in ecstasy?

The Guardian - Books

Just to make Carter's day thoroughly miserable, it began to rain.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Informer Edmund has his own snowy trek, to the Witch's icy palace, during which he gets thoroughly wet and miserable; the wintry landscape is sublime, but also properly hard-going.

The Guardian - Books

"After the first week our birds were just a bit subdued, but after over a month now, they are thoroughly fed-up and miserable, much like the rest of us".

Independent

"After the first week out birds were just a bit subdued, but after over a month now, they are thoroughly fed-up and miserable, much like the rest of us".

The Guardian

"And no wonder - they are the most miserable, negative, depressing and thoroughly boring campaign in modern political history.

BBC

In April, Scotland's First Minster Alex Salmond called the No campaign "the most miserable, negative, depressing and thoroughly boring" in modern times.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly miserable" to emphasize a deep or complete state of unhappiness or discomfort. It effectively conveys a strong negative emotion in various contexts.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of intensifiers like "thoroughly" with every negative adjective. While effective in moderation, overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using a more specific adjective to convey the intended emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly miserable" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or discomfort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Sport

18%

Books

6%

Less common in

Lifestyle

4%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly miserable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that expresses a deep state of unhappiness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and books, to emphasize the intensity of negative emotions or experiences. To enhance writing, consider similar alternatives like "utterly dejected" or "completely wretched", and avoid overusing intensifiers to maintain impact. This phrase effectively conveys strong negative emotions across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely wretched

Focuses on a state of extreme unhappiness and suffering.

profoundly unhappy

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the unhappiness.

utterly dejected

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of hopelessness and discouragement.

extremely disheartened

This variation places greater emphasis on the loss of enthusiasm or motivation.

absolutely crestfallen

Highlights the disappointment and sadness experienced.

bitterly disappointed

Highlights the intensity of the letdown and frustration.

totally despondent

Conveys a sense of deep discouragement and loss of hope.

entirely heartbroken

Emphasizes emotional pain and sorrow.

deeply sorrowful

Focuses on a profound sense of sadness and grief.

genuinely desolated

Stresses the feeling of being alone and devastated.

FAQs

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

You can use "thoroughly miserable" to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or discomfort. For example, "After failing the exam, I felt thoroughly miserable."

What phrases are similar to "thoroughly miserable"?

Similar phrases include "utterly dejected", "completely wretched", or "profoundly unhappy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "thoroughly miserable" or "completely miserable"?

Both "thoroughly miserable" and "completely miserable" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context.

What's the difference between "miserable" and "thoroughly miserable"?

Adding "thoroughly" intensifies the feeling of being "miserable". It indicates a deeper, more pervasive state of unhappiness than simply being "miserable".