Be/feel hard done by

usgb
phrase

To feel unjustly treated or that you have not received what you deserve.

She felt hard done by because she had done most of the work but received the least credit
Visual representation of "be/feel hard done by" - To feel unjustly treated or that you have not received what you deserve

Often appears as...

  • feel hard done by
  • feel hard done by something

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be/feel hard done by"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Weight

The phrase often conveys a strong sense of emotional disappointment or resentment.

Illustration for Emotional Weight
After the promotion went to his colleague, John truly felt hard done by.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Formal

It's casual language, more suitable for informal conversations and less for formal writing.

Illustration for Not Formal
In a chat with a friend, you might say, 'I was hard done by when they ignored my idea.'
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British Usage

More common in British English than in American English, where different expressions might be used.

Illustration for British Usage
She's feeling hard done by, as I've heard my British friends say.
Visual representation of the word "Be/feel hard done by"

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