verb
deplore
dih-PLAW
Deplore (verb) means to express strong disapproval of something. Example: “The council deplored the vandalism of the war memorial.”
verb
1
To express strong disapproval of something.
"The UNHCR deplores the recent events in Sudan."
"The council deplored the vandalism of the war memorial."
"Human rights groups deplored the crackdown on protesters."
"Many people deplore the actions of the corrupt government."
"I deplore how you treated him at the party."
How to use deplore
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo strongly condemn or express sorrow and disapproval about something.
When to use it
Fairly formal — common in official statements and news reports rather than casual speech.
Common pairings
deplore the violence
widely deplored
deplore the decision
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like deplore.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- deplores
- Past tense
- deplored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The council _____ the vandalism of the war memorial.
Etymology
From Middle French déplorer, from Latin deplorare ("to lament over, bewail"), from de- (intensifier) plus plorare ("to cry out, wail").
Related words
Rhymes for deplore
See all rhymes for deplore →Frequently asked questions
What does “deplore” mean?
The word “deplore” means to express strong disapproval of something. In plain terms, to strongly condemn or express sorrow and disapproval about something.
How do you pronounce “deplore”?
“Deplore” is pronounced dih-PLAW (/dɪˈploɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “deplore” in a sentence?
Here is “deplore” used in a sentence: “The council deplored the vandalism of the war memorial.”
What part of speech is “deplore”?
“Deplore” is a verb.
Where does the word “deplore” come from?
The word “deplore” comes from Latin. From Middle French déplorer, from Latin deplorare ("to lament over, bewail"), from de- (intensifier) plus plorare ("to cry out, wail").
