wretch

[ rech ]

noun

1. a deplorably unfortunate or unhappy person.
2. a person of despicable or base character.

wretch

/ rɛtʃ /

noun

1. a despicable person
2. a person pitied for his misfortune

Word History and Origins

Origin of wretch¹

before 900; Middle English wrecche, Old English wrecca exile, adventurer; cognate with German Recke warrior, hero, Old Norse rekkr man

Word History and Origins

Origin of wretch¹

Old English wrecca; related to Old Saxon wrekkeo, Old High German reccheo (German Recke warrior), Old Norse rek ( n ) ingr

Example Sentences

"When people didn't know where to find us, GRM Daily was a hub for everyone to find us," Wretch 32 tells BBC Newsbeat.

From BBC

"I must be amongst one of the first 10 videos," says Wretch, who's since featured on the GRM Daily YouTube channel dozens of times.

From BBC

Since first appearing on the channel, Wretch 32 has won a number of awards for his music and his 2016 album, Growing Over Life, was nominated for album of the year at the Mobo Awards.

From BBC

This pathetic wretch longs to escape to Istanbul, where he can be around the worldly types he prefers.

From Los Angeles Times

You know, the one where “The wretch, concentred all in self / Living, shall forfeit fair renown”?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rascal