Definition

Feeling or showing great sadness or regret; very bad or poor in quality.

Example

The team's woeful performance led to their defeat in the championship.

Conversation

Did you hear about the woeful performance by the local band last night?

Yeah, I heard they were really off key.

It's such a shame because I was looking forward to their show.

I know! It's disappointing when something you expect to be good turns out so woeful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Woeful is formed from "woe" (from Old English "wōa", meaning sorrow or distress) and "-ful" (meaning full of). The word "woeful" means full of woe or expressing great sorrow.

Memory Tip

Think of 'woe' as representing deep sorrow, and remember that 'woeful' means being full of that sorrow.

Visually Confused Words