deplore

American  

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

verb (used with object)

deplored, deploring

1. to regret deeply or strongly; lament.

   to deplore the present state of morality.

   Synonyms:

   bewail, bemoan

2. to disapprove of; censure.

3. to feel or express deep grief for or in regard to.

   The class deplored the death of their teacher.

   Synonyms:

   mourn

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deplore British  

/ dɪˈplɔː /

verb

1. to express or feel sorrow about; lament; regret

2. to express or feel strong disapproval of; censure

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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-

Example Sentences

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

"There were no legitimate grounds for the Burkinabé authorities' decision. We can only deplore it," spokesman Christophe Lemoine was quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2024

There are those who secretly deplore these great discoveries, who consider every step a demotion, who in their heart of hearts still pine for a universe whose center, focus and fulcrum is the Earth.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• abhor
• bemoan
• complain
• denounce
• lament
• mourn