bemoan

[bih-mohn]

verb (used with object)

1. to express distress or grief over; lament.

   to bemoan one's fate.

2. to regard with regret or disapproval.

bemoan

/ bɪˈməʊn /

verb

1. to grieve over (a loss, etc); mourn; lament (esp in the phrase bemoan one's fate )

Other Word Forms

• bemoaningly adverb
• unbemoaned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bemoan¹

before 1000; be- + moan; replacing bemene, Middle English bimenen, Old English bimǣnan ( bi- be- + mǣnan to moan)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bemoan¹

Old English bemǣnan ; see _be- , _moan

Example Sentences

Adams, who had bemoaned his performance in last week’s 21-19 victory over the Seahawks, seemingly was happier after catching five passes for 62 yards and increasing to 12 his league-leading total of touchdown catches.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While Farrell was buoyed by his team's second-half efforts, he bemoaned "stupid errors" and admitted Ireland lost their composure in the face of a dominant South African scrum.

Read more on BBC

He approves of strengthening some local restrictions but bemoans the "terrible cost" and wonders "for HOW LONG?"

Read more on BBC

Having pocketed their windfalls, survivors and those caring for injured vets would have incentive anew to bemoan their sacrifice and demand redress.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Mr. Gottlieb astutely observes that although Wittgenstein bemoaned the philosophical “craving for generality,” he was prone to making broad characterizations himself.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• deplore 
• lament 
• mourn 
• regret