Dictionary

1woe

interjection \ˈwō\

Definition of WOE

—used to express grief, regret, or distress
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of WOE

Middle English wa, wo, from Old English wā; akin to Old Norse vei, interjection, woe, Latin vae
First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WOE

Synonyms
alack, ay, wirra [Irish], alas

2woe

noun

: a feeling of great pain or sadness

woes : problems or troubles

Full Definition of WOE

1
:  a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief
2
:  ruinous trouble :  calamity, affliction <economic woes>

First Known Use of WOE

before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of WOE

sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind. sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse <a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death>. grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause <the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents>. anguish suggests torturing grief or dread <the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child>. woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery <cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city>. regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse <nagging regret for missed opportunities>.
WOE Defined for Kids

woe

noun \ˈwō\

Definition of WOE for Kids

1
:  great sorrow, grief, or misfortune :  trouble
2
:  something that causes a problem

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: woebegonePrevious Word in the Dictionary: wodgeAll Words Near: woe
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears