deplorable
/dɪˈplɔːɹəbəɫ/
This word conveys a sense of moral outrage combined with shock. It is significantly stronger than "bad" or "unfortunate," suggesting that the situation is so wretched it should be formally denounced.
When describing physical conditions (like housing), it implies a level of squalor that is unacceptable by human standards. When describing behavior, it suggests a failure of character or ethics that justifies strong social or legal condemnation.
Compared to "regrettable," which can be soft or accidental, "deplorable" is active and accusatory. It positions the speaker as a moral judge of the subject.
💬Casual Conversation
YOUR LINKEDIN POST WAS DEPLORABLE. SO MUCH BUZZWORD BINGO.
YOUR LINKEDIN POST WAS DEPLORABLE. SO MUCH BUZZWORD BINGO.
Mom, it's just work. Please don't comment on my public stuff.
Mom, it's just work. Please don't comment on my public stuff.
Meanings
Examples
The prisoners were kept in deplorable cells with no ventilation.
What a deplorable excuse for a professional athlete.
Their treatment of the animals was absolutely deplorable.
Collocations & Compounds
deplorable conditions
Extremely bad or unpleasant living or working conditions.
deplorable state
A condition that is extremely bad, unacceptable, or regrettable.
deplorable lack of
A significantly insufficient or absent amount of something, to a regrettable degree.
There was a deplorable lack of communication between the departments.
deplorable behavior
Conduct that is extremely bad, unacceptable, and deserving of strong disapproval.
deplorable service
Extremely poor or unacceptable quality of service provided.
We experienced deplorable service at the restaurant.
Etymology
From Latin 'deplorare', meaning 'to bewail, lament, curse'. It is formed from the prefix 'de-' (down, utterly) and 'plorare' (to weep, cry out). The word entered English in the mid-17th century, initially used to express strong sorrow or regret, but evolving to mean something deserving of lamentation due to its badness.