worthless wretch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worthless wretch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is perceived as having no value or being despicable, often in a derogatory context. Example: "After his betrayal, I couldn't help but think of him as a worthless wretch, unworthy of any sympathy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Are you a worthless wretch?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ugly wretch!

Huffington Post

It is pompous, goes this argument, to invoke lofty liberal freedoms in defence of the nonsense trotted out by this worthless but well-remunerated wretch.The second argument is the opposite of the first.

The Economist

Snivelling wretch.

The Guardian - Sport

Ungrateful little wretch.

The Guardian

Alice loved a wretch.

The Guardian - Arts

Wretch I'm still underground.

The Guardian - Music

Absolutely worthless.

The Guardian

Probably worthless.

The New York Times

But worthless?

The Guardian - Books

The ESOP is worthless.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "worthless wretch" sparingly and consider the impact of such strong language on your audience. Overuse can diminish its effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "worthless wretch" in professional or academic writing. Its highly negative connotation can undermine your credibility and make your writing appear biased or unprofessional.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worthless wretch" functions as a noun phrase used to describe someone considered despicable and without value. It serves as a derogatory label, expressing strong condemnation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contexts of moral judgment and disapproval.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worthless wretch" is a derogatory term used to express strong contempt for an individual deemed to have no value or merit. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but indicates that its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase and its purpose is to convey intense disdain. Due to its highly negative connotation, it is generally considered informal and unsuitable for professional or academic writing. Alternatives like "despicable individual" or "good-for-nothing scoundrel" may be more appropriate in certain situations. While grammatically sound, judicious use of this phrase is recommended due to its strong emotional charge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly worthless being

Stresses complete lack of value or merit.

despicable creature

Suggests inhumanity and evokes strong negative emotions.

despicable individual

Emphasizes moral reprehensibility over lack of value.

deplorable character

Highlights the lamentable nature of the person's behavior or qualities.

contemptible person

Focuses on the feeling of disdain the person inspires.

vile person

Indicates extreme unpleasantness or immorality.

good-for-nothing scoundrel

Highlights uselessness and dishonest behavior.

lowlife

Conveys a sense of being morally base or depraved.

miserable excuse for a human being

Intensifies the condemnation with a strong emotional charge.

pathetic loser

Implies failure and evokes pity rather than disgust.

FAQs

How can I use "worthless wretch" in a sentence?

You can use "worthless wretch" to express extreme disdain or contempt for someone, as in "After betraying his own family, he became a "worthless wretch" in everyone's eyes".

What are some alternatives to "worthless wretch"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "despicable individual", "good-for-nothing scoundrel", or "contemptible person".

Is "worthless wretch" grammatically correct?

Yes, "worthless wretch" is grammatically correct. It combines an adjective ("worthless") with a noun ("wretch") to describe someone deserving of contempt.

What's the tone of "worthless wretch"?

The tone of "worthless wretch" is highly derogatory and conveys strong negative emotions such as disgust, contempt, or disdain. It's not suitable for formal or polite conversation.