adj
lamentable
luh-MEHN-tuh-buhl
Lamentable (adj) means So poor or regrettable as to cause sorrow or disappointment; deplorable. Example: “The team's lamentable defence cost them the match.”
adj
1
So poor or regrettable as to cause sorrow or disappointment; deplorable.
"The team's lamentable defence cost them the match."
"It was a lamentable decision that nobody in the room agreed with."
How to use lamentable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSo bad or disappointing it's worth mourning over — a stronger, more formal word than "poor" or "bad."
When to use it
Formal/written register; used for serious criticism, not everyday complaints.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more lamentable
- Superlative
- most lamentable
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The team's _____ defence cost them the match.
Etymology
From Middle French lamentable, from Latin lamentabilis, "full of sorrow," from lamentor, "to lament."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lamentable
See all rhymes for lamentable →Frequently asked questions
What does “lamentable” mean?
The word “lamentable” means so poor or regrettable as to cause sorrow or disappointment; deplorable. In plain terms, so bad or disappointing it's worth mourning over — a stronger, more formal word than "poor" or "bad.".
How do you pronounce “lamentable”?
“Lamentable” is pronounced luh-MEHN-tuh-buhl (/ləˈmɛn.tə.bəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “lamentable” in a sentence?
Here is “lamentable” used in a sentence: “The team's lamentable defence cost them the match.”
What is the opposite of “lamentable”?
The opposite of “lamentable” — its antonyms — is cheerful.
What part of speech is “lamentable”?
“Lamentable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lamentable” come from?
The word “lamentable” comes from Latin. From Middle French lamentable, from Latin lamentabilis, "full of sorrow," from lamentor, "to lament.".
