woebegone

[ woh-bi-gawn, -gon ]

adjective

1. beset with woe; affected by woe, especially in appearance.
2. showing or indicating woe:

   He always had a woebegone look on his face.

   Synonyms: gloomy, forlorn, suffering

woebegone

/ ˈwəʊbɪˌɡɒn /

adjective

1. sorrowful or sad in appearance
2. archaic.
   afflicted with woe

Other Words From

• woebe·goneness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of woebegone¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English wo begon originally, “woe (has or had) beset (someone)”; equivalent to wo + begon, past participle of begon, Old English begān “to surround, beset”; woe, be-, go ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of woebegone¹

C14: from a phrase such as me is wo begon woe has beset me

Example Sentences

“Why not just jump straight into the deep end?” said Karty, who is charged with remedying the Rams’ woebegone kicking of 2023 .

From Los Angeles Times

The Vikings have the same 6-5 record but host the woebegone Bears Monday night.

From Seattle Times

Wilson was held to 95 yards passing with a touchdown and a pair of interceptions, and woebegone Denver finished with just 197 yards of total offense.

From Seattle Times

The Reds were able to find something slightly savory from the carcass of the woebegone A’s, marginally improving their bullpen with the addition of Moll, a slider specialist who is tough on left-handed hitters.

From Los Angeles Times

That includes a 7-0 record against the woebegone Oakland A’s — and if there ever was a year the Mariners wish they had more games against the A’s this is it.

From Seattle Times