WordGarden.iodeplorable
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪplˈɔːrəbəl/
US
- /dɪˈplɔrəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
very bad and deserving strong disapproval
Noun
a contemptible or politically objectionable person, especially as a dismissive label for a Trump supporter
Beyond the definition
Something deplorable is very bad in a way that makes people strongly disapprove. It can describe cruel or dishonest behavior, but it can also describe a situation, service, or place that is in a terrible state. It's stronger than just "bad" and usually suggests that things should never be that way. If you see someone treated with cruelty, you might call the behavior deplorable. If a hospital has filthy, unsafe rooms, the conditions might be deplorable. Use it for serious cases, not small annoyances.
The word "deplorable" comes from the Latin deplorare, meaning "to lament" or "to weep over." In early English use, it could mean something "worthy of being mourned"—sad, unfortunate, or pitiable. Over time, it became more closely tied to judgment: something deplorable is not only very bad, but also hard to excuse.
In modern English, the word often carries a moral tone. Deplorable behavior suggests cruelty, dishonesty, or serious wrongdoing, and it signals strong disapproval. It can also be used for quality or conditions rather than character: deplorable living conditions, deplorable service, or a deplorable state of repair.
The word also gained extra attention in U.S. politics during the 2016 presidential election, when it was used as a label for a group of voters—showing how powerful (and divisive) it can be when applied to people rather than actions or conditions.
Because it's a strong adjective, it usually fits situations that feel seriously wrong or unacceptable. If you're only mildly unhappy, "bad," "poor," or "unfortunate" may be enough; if you want to express deep disapproval, deplorable is a clear, forceful choice.
Examples
- 1
Disaster conditions
Many families were living in deplorable conditions after the flood.
- 2
Workplace behavior
His treatment of the staff was deplorable.
- 3
Hospital equipment
The hospital report pointed to a deplorable lack of basic equipment.
- 4
Public facilities
We were shocked by the deplorable state of the public toilets.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Formal judgment
It is deplorable that the warnings were ignored for so long.
- UsageIt is deplorable that + clause
a formal, strong way to say a situation is very bad and unacceptable
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- deplorable conditions
- deplorable behavior
- deplorable state
- utterly deplorable
Word family
- deplore
- deplorably
Explore
- condemnation
- moral disapproval
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- deplorableadjective