French Conversation · Level 53
75 words
French word
misérable
Pronunciation
IPA/mizeʁabl/
Meaning
- adjectivemiserable
Example
Il est misérable.
He is miserable.
More examples
Elle mène une vie misérable.
She leads a miserable life.
Core concept
A condition where poverty or sorrow overwhelms ordinary comfort.
Common phrases
vie misérable
miserable life
être misérable
be miserable
Similar words
pauvre: Without enough money or possessions to live comfortably.
triste: Very sad, with little brightness or cheer.
malheureux: Not happy because of bad luck or a painful situation.
Definition in French
Qui décrit une condition pauvre ou sans confort, ou un profond sentiment de malheur.
Word origin
The French adjective continues Old French misérable from Latin miserabilis, preserving the idea of a condition that arouses pity while extending it to severe unhappiness.
Usage tips
- Misérable is often stronger than triste, because it can suggest a thoroughly wretched state rather than ordinary sadness.