deplore
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
-
to express or feel sorrow about; lament; regret
-
to express or feel strong disapproval of; censure
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have deploredperfect
-
has deploredperfect 3rd person singular
-
has been deploringperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
am deploringprogressive 1st person singular
-
are deploringprogressive
-
deploringparticiple
-
is deploringprogressive 3rd person singular
-
have been deploringperfect progressive
-
deploressingular 3rd person
Past
-
had deploredperfect
-
was deploringprogressive singular
-
were deploringprogressive plural
-
deploredparticiple
-
deploredsimple
-
had been deploringperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of deplore
First recorded in 1550–60; from Latin dēplōrāre “to weep bitterly, complain,” equivalent to dē- + plōrāre “to wail”; see origin at 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.
Vocabulary lists containing deplore
"Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary from "John L. O'Sullivan on 'Manifest Destiny' " from 1839
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Deplore might be strong, but general childishness, unseriousness and laziness in terms of what I’ve done compared with what maybe I should have or could have done.
From The Guardian • Mar. 10, 2018
Deplore, de-plōr′, v.t. to feel or express deep grief for.—adj.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various
Deplore it as all right-thinking people must, under present social conditions he is undoubtedly free to lead what is called a double life.
From Ruggles of Red Gap by Wilson, Harry Leon
Deplore and repent of our prodigality as we may, the effects abide to remind us of our decline from the high plane of industry, frugality, and conservation of leisure.
From The Reconstructed School by Pearson, Francis B.
Deplore as we may the sanguinary ends to which this will has been bent, it has at any rate shown itself to be no weakling.
From In the Claws of the German Eagle by Williams, Albert Rhys
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
