woe
noun
UK/wəʊ/
US/woʊ/
Definitions of woe noun
- Uncountableliterary
extreme sadness or suffering; a calamity or affliction.
Her face was gaunt, and her eyes reflected deep woe.
He recounted a series of woes, including the loss of his job and his home.
The country is going through a terrible period of economic woe.
Phrases of woe noun
- woes
Significant problems, troubles, or misfortunes.
• After years of financial woes, the company is finally starting to recover.
Idioms
- woe is me
Used to express feelings of great unhappiness or sadness.
• My phone fell into the water, and I didn't back up any of the data. Woe is me!
- woe betide someone
used to indicate that someone will experience trouble or be punished if they do a specific action.
• Woe betide him if he makes that mistake again.