put-upon

[ poot-uh-pon, -pawn ]

adjective

1. imposed upon; ill-used.

put upon

verb

1. to presume on (a person's generosity, good nature, etc); take advantage of

   he's always being put upon

2. to impose hardship on; maltreat

Word History and Origins

Origin of put-upon¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

And he calls Enrico Colantoni, who plays their put-upon principal with weary grace, “such a gift to the project. His acting is like a drug.”

From Los Angeles Times

He inhabits a space populated by right-wing windbags who have convinced each other, through endless repetition, that they are the most put-upon people in history.

From Salon

Scott wrote in The Times, “you are likely to leave this one feeling as grouchy and put-upon as the title character.”

From New York Times

Firstborn daughters are having a moment in the spotlight, at least online, with memes and think pieces offering a sense of gratification to responsible, put-upon big sisters everywhere.

From New York Times

“There’s a put-upon quality to Con, where he plays Izzy as the ultimate frustrated middle manager.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afflict
• annoy
• beat down
• harass
• maltreat
• overwhelm
• persecute
• pick on
• prey on
• subjugate
• suppress
• torment
• torture
• trample
• vex