Definition

Feeling or looking very sad and unhappy, often because of difficult situations or problems.

Example

After hearing the bad news, she had a woebegone expression on her face.

Conversation

Have you seen that old house down the street?

Yeah, it looks so woebegone and abandoned now.

I can't believe someone used to live there.

I know, it’s sad to see it in such a sorry state.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Woebegone is formed from "woe" (from Old English "wōa", meaning sorrow or distress) and "begone" (from the past participle of "be gone", meaning to be away or lost). The word describes someone who appears to be in a state of deep sorrow or distress, as if they have been lost to their troubles.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is filled with 'sorrow' ('woe') and seems to be 'lost' ('begone') in their sadness. This helps you remember that 'woebegone' describes someone who looks very sad or distressed.

Visually Confused Words