be hard done-by

be hard done-by

To be mistreated or cheated or to be dejected as a result of such mistreatment. The company paid Steve a generous severance package after firing him, but he still claims he was hard done-by.See also: hard

be/feel hard ˈdone by

(informal) be/feel unfairly treated: I think you’ve been hard done by — you worked twice as long as anyone else.See also: by, done, feel, hard