Deplorable
/dɪˈplɔːrəbəl/
Definitions
Causing or deserving strong disapproval or condemnation; extremely bad or wretched.
/dɪˈplɔːrəbəl/
Causing or deserving strong condemnation or disapproval; extremely bad; wretched.
The conditions in the refugee camp were deplorable.
💡 Simply: Imagine something is so bad, it makes you want to say, "Oh, that's awful!" or "I can't believe how bad that is!" like a super messy room or a movie that's really boring and not fun to watch.
👶 For kids: Something that is super bad and makes you feel sad or angry, like when someone is mean to others.
More Examples
The team's performance was so poor, it was almost deplorable.
The company's environmental record was deplorable and drew criticism.
How It's Used
"The politician's behavior was considered deplorable by many citizens."
"The living conditions in the slums were truly deplorable."
"The company's unethical practices were widely denounced as deplorable."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
deplorable behavior
Conduct or actions that are considered extremely bad or deserving strong disapproval.
"The company's executives were criticized for their deplorable behavior during the crisis."
deplorable conditions
Circumstances or situations that are extremely bad, difficult, or unpleasant.
"The refugees were living in deplorable conditions."
From Latin *deplorare* ('to lament, bewail'), from *de-* ('down, away') + *plorare* ('to cry, weep'). The word historically implied something to be lamented or regretted, then evolved to encompass anything exceptionally bad or wretched.
Historically, 'deplorable' was often used in literature to describe situations worthy of lament or sorrow. The word gradually shifted to encompass things that are morally reprehensible.
Memory tip
Think of a play with poor acting and a ruined set; it's *deplorable* because it makes everyone want to leave.
Word Origin
"to lament, bewail"