wretches
Pitiable, miserable people
Wretches is the plural of wretch—a person in a state of deep misery or degradation.
The word carries pity or contempt depending on context: The wretches huddled in the cold suggests compassion, while those miserable wretches may express disdain.
In older religious usage, wretch described sinful humanity: We are all wretches in need of grace.
Hostile dismissive feeling
- disdainScornful disregard
- loathingIntense, settled disgust
- disgustIntense physical aversion
- revulsionIntense physical disgust
derision · vilification · abhorrence · outcasts · pariahs · dregs · untouchables · undesirables
Sad and abandoned
- woebegoneOvercome by grief
- downtroddenPersistently mistreated and degraded
- dejectedLow in spirits
- despairingCompletely without hope
desolate · pitiable · pathetic · hapless · luckless · ill-fated · unfortunate · accursed
Intense prolonged distress
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
- agonyExtreme physical or emotional pain
- afflictionCause of ongoing distress
hardship · destitution · tribulation · despair · sorrow · woe · distress · adversity
Concern for others' distress
- sympathyCompassionate understanding of others
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- charityVoluntary aid for others
- almsGifts to the destitute
benevolence · clemency · succor · kindness · forgiveness · humanity · tenderness · solace
scorn
Hostile dismissive feeling
revulsion · derision · vilification · abhorrence · outcasts · pariahs · dregs · untouchables · undesirables · lowlifes
forlorn
Sad and abandoned
- woebegoneOvercome by grief
- downtroddenPersistently mistreated and degraded
- dejectedLow in spirits
despairing · desolate · pitiable · pathetic · hapless · luckless · ill-fated · unfortunate · accursed · damned
misery
Intense prolonged distress
- anguishIntense mental suffering
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
- agonyExtreme physical or emotional pain
affliction · hardship · destitution · tribulation · despair · sorrow · woe · distress · adversity · plight
compassion
Concern for others' distress
- sympathyCompassionate understanding of others
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
- charityVoluntary aid for others
alms · benevolence · clemency · succor · kindness · forgiveness · humanity · tenderness · solace · consolation
wretchesthe elite
Most powerful group
nobles · dignitaries · luminaries · lords · ladies