Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The inspiration for the name comes from the Japanese term mottainai, which laments waste - think of the phrase "waste not, want not" and you have the sentiment.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Every generation looks on the next and laments that it has lost something good.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

“Don’t tell me ‘never,’” Graham laments, before bringing the meeting to a close with a gently peremptory “Do better.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

"The spirit of being Ethiopian is now pushed away," the 49-year-old laments on Das Tal.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Turner knew that everything in the world rejoices in the touch, and everything in the world laments in the losing.

From "Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy" by Gary D. Schmidt