lament

American  

[luh-ment] / ləˈmɛnt /

verb (used with object)

1. to feel or express sorrow or regret for.

   to lament his absence.

   Synonyms:

   deplore, bemoan, bewail

2. to mourn for or over.

   Synonyms:

   deplore, bemoan, bewail

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verb (used without object)

1. to feel, show, or express grief, sorrow, or regret.

   Synonyms:

   weep, grieve

2. to mourn deeply.

   Synonyms:

   weep, grieve

noun

1. an expression of grief or sorrow.

   Synonyms:

   moan, lamentation

2. a formal expression of sorrow or mourning, especially in verse or song; an elegy or dirge.

   Synonyms:

   threnody, monody

lament British  

/ ləˈmɛnt /

verb

1. to feel or express sorrow, remorse, or regret (for or over)

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noun

1. an expression of sorrow

2. a poem or song in which a death is lamented

Other Word Forms

• lamenter noun
• lamentingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of lament

First recorded in 1520–30; (noun) from Latin lāmentum “plaint”; (verb) from Latin lāmentārī, derivative of lāmentum

Example Sentences

Daryl Caudle, the chief of naval operations, lamented extended deployments in a meeting with reporters in January, noting the financial impact on the Navy as well as the burden on crews and their families.

From The Wall Street Journal

We see Shahverdi give a speech to a hall of women, lamenting how girls as young as 11 are married and giving birth.

From BBC

First-years from Hungary and Turkey lamented the systems in their home countries, where admissions are based purely on standardized tests rather than their interests or extracurriculars.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Pitts laments that if only Routledge’s evidence had not been lost, “the false narratives would never have been born.”

From The Wall Street Journal

More than anything, he wants to enjoy the time he has left instead of lamenting over missed opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bemoan
• deplore
• regret