adj

deplorable

dih-PLAW-ruhbl

Deplorable (adj) means Shockingly bad or unacceptable; deserving strong disapproval. Example: “The prisoners were kept in deplorable conditions.”

adj

Shockingly bad or unacceptable; deserving strong disapproval.

"The prisoners were kept in deplorable conditions."

"His deplorable behaviour at the party embarrassed the whole family."

Extremely regrettable or sad; worthy of pity.

"It's deplorable that so many children still go hungry."

How to use deplorable

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo bad that it deserves strong criticism, or genuinely sad and regrettable.

Common pairings

deplorable conditions absolutely deplorable deplorable behaviour

Word forms

more deplorable comparative, deplorables plural, most deplorable superlative

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The prisoners were kept in _____ conditions.

Etymology

From French déplorable, from Late Latin deplorabilis, related to "deplore."

Origin: Late Latin

Rhymes for deplorable

able fable cable table viable liable stable tenable parable affable amiable notable

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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.