Synonyms

deplore

American

[dih-plawr, -plohr] / dɪˈplɔr, -ˈploʊr /

verb (used with object)

deplored, deploring

to regret deeply or strongly; lament.

to deplore the present state of morality.

Synonyms:

bewail, bemoan
to disapprove of; censure.
to feel or express deep grief for or in regard to.

The class deplored the death of their teacher.

Synonyms:

mourn

deplore British

/ dɪˈplɔː /

verb

to express or feel sorrow about; lament; regret
to express or feel strong disapproval of; censure

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

deploration noun
deplorer noun
deploringly adverb
undeplored adjective

Etymology

Origin of deplore

First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin dēplōrāre “to weep bitterly, complain,” equivalent to dē- + plōrāre “to wail”; de-

Explanation

The verb deplore is used to express strong disapproval of something. If you really, really hate the way your mom makes meatloaf, then it's safe to say you deplore it. Deplore comes from Latin roots that mean "to bewail or lament." So if you deplore something, you object to it because it brings you sorrow or grief. People often deplore things that they regret or feel bad about. You might deplore the inhumane treatment of animals or the deforestation of the Amazon. Or maybe you just deplore your wardrobe choices from middle school.

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Vocabulary lists containing deplore

"Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2

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Vocabulary from "John L. O'Sullivan on 'Manifest Destiny' " from 1839

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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.

Many of the Iranian people, even those who deplore the regime, may support the home team in this fight.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

Critics deplore the fact that the undisputed growth has only benefitted a small portion of the population and has been accompanied by a spiralling cost of living.

From Barron's • Oct. 25, 2025

Downey, who plunged into tech’s moral gray zones in his “Iron Man” outings, makes it possible for an audience to both deplore McNeal and delight in the abrasive pleasure of his company.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2024

"We all fear climate change and deplore conflict, but the withdrawal of sponsorship from book festivals is not the solution," she said.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2024

“Gold, filthy gold! We cannot live without it, yet I confess I deplore the necessity of consorting with our long-fingered friends.”

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023