Definition

Adjective: 1. Feeling used or taken advantage of: Describes a person who feels unfairly burdened or exploited, often because their kindness or willingness to help is consistently abused by others.

Usage

This adjective describes a state of feeling. It is often used with verbs like feel, be, or seem. It typically follows a linking verb or modifies a noun directly. * It is used to express a sense of resentment or weariness from being treated unfairly. * It implies that the person has endured this treatment repeatedly or over time.

Examples

• She always volunteers for extra work and is starting to feel very put-upon.
• He had a put-upon expression after his colleagues left him to finish the project alone.
• As the oldest sibling, she often felt put-upon, responsible for all the chores.

Advanced Usage

• To feel put-upon: A common collocation emphasizing the emotional experience.
  • I don't want to feel put-upon every time I agree to help.
• Used to describe a demeanor or attitude resulting from the feeling.
  • He answered with a put-upon sigh, as if the request were a great inconvenience.

Variants and Related Words

• Put upon (verb phrase): The phrasal verb from which the adjective is derived. It means to impose on or inconvenience someone.
  • I hate to put upon you, but could I ask for another favor?

Synonyms

• Imposed upon: Having requests or burdens placed on one.
• Taken advantage of: Exploited for one's good nature.
• Used: Treated as a means to an end without proper consideration.
• Exploited: Made use of selfishly or unfairly.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Taken for granted: Treated as if one's efforts or presence are expected and not worthy of thanks.
  • After years of loyal service, she felt taken for granted and put-upon.

Adjective

1. of persons; taken advantage of
   • after going out of his way to help his friend get the job he felt not appreciated but used