# woe

/ˈwoʊ/ (US) · /wˈəʊ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/woe
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a feeling of great sadness or suffering. It can also mean the problems and troubles that someone is facing.

For teachers: intense sorrow or distress; alternatively, a state of misfortune or trouble. Often used in the plural to describe a collection of difficulties.

## Examples

- The old songs tell stories of love and woe.
- The company's financial woes began when the global market for their main product collapsed.
- The poet captures the profound woe of a nation torn apart by years of internal conflict and economic hardship.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the plural ('woes') when referring to specific problems or economic difficulties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.