noun / interjection
woe
WOH/wəʊ/
Deep distress or the troubles that cause it.
The woman weeps beside the grave, her face full of woe.
Etymology
Woe began as a cry like “alas!” The expression of grief became a name for grief itself, and then for an affliction or calamity that causes it.
In context
At this impressive woe, Mrs. Barry's voice quavered into sobs.
More examples
- Car trouble adds to our financial woes.
- She shares her tale of woe with a patient friend.
- He sighs, “Oh, woe is me!” after missing the bus.
Forms
woe · woes
woeful adjective — Expressing or causing deep sorrow or distress.