adj
deplorable
dih-PLAW-ruhbl
Deplorable (adj) means Shockingly bad or unacceptable; deserving strong disapproval. Example: “The prisoners were kept in deplorable conditions.”
adj
1
Shockingly bad or unacceptable; deserving strong disapproval.
"The prisoners were kept in deplorable conditions."
"His deplorable behaviour at the party embarrassed the whole family."
2
Extremely regrettable or sad; worthy of pity.
"It's deplorable that so many children still go hungry."
How to use deplorable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo bad that it deserves strong criticism, or genuinely sad and regrettable.
Common pairings
deplorable conditions
absolutely deplorable
deplorable behaviour
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Word forms
- Plural
- deplorables
- Comparative
- more deplorable
- Superlative
- most deplorable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The prisoners were kept in _____ conditions.
Etymology
From French déplorable, from Late Latin deplorabilis, related to "deplore."
Synonyms
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woeful
miserable
lamentable
execrable
vicious
distressing
reprehensible
criminal
pitiful
sorry
sad
condemnable
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for deplorable
See all rhymes for deplorable →Frequently asked questions
What does “deplorable” mean?
The word “deplorable” means shockingly bad or unacceptable; deserving strong disapproval. In plain terms, so bad that it deserves strong criticism, or genuinely sad and regrettable.
How do you pronounce “deplorable”?
“Deplorable” is pronounced dih-PLAW-ruhbl (/dəˈplɔɹəb(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “deplorable” in a sentence?
Here is “deplorable” used in a sentence: “The prisoners were kept in deplorable conditions.”
What part of speech is “deplorable”?
“Deplorable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “deplorable” come from?
The word “deplorable” comes from Late Latin. From French déplorable, from Late Latin deplorabilis, related to "deplore.".
How many meanings does “deplorable” have?
“Deplorable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: shockingly bad or unacceptable; deserving strong disapproval.
