1. Characterizing a deplorable state of distress or misfortune: In class, the students learned more about the refugees and the miserable and dreadful circumstances they had to live in.
2. Contemptibly small in amount: Jack brought home only one carrot and some old lettuce, a really miserable supply of vegetables, because everything had already been sold out at the market.
3. Deserving or inciting pity: Jane commented, "We have too many miserable victims in the Iraq war."
4. Of very poor quality or condition: After reading the novel, Jim thought that it was the most miserable one he had ever read!
5. Causing or accompanied by discomfort, unpleasantness, or unhappiness; Jack never wanted to talk about the miserable time he had during childhood.
6. Inadequate, often insulting or embarrassing, in quantity or quality: The neighbors often commented on Sam's miserable neglect of his children since his wife died.