deplore

[dih-plawr, -plohr]

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

deplore

/ dɪˈplɔː /

verb

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

2. to express or feel strong disapproval of; censure

Other Word Forms

• deplorer noun
• deploringly adverb
• deploration noun
• undeplored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deplore¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deplore¹

C16: from Old French deplorer, from Latin dēplōrāre to weep bitterly, from plōrāre to weep, lament

Example Sentences

Despite the achievements, many deplore the accompanying cost of such urban development.

Read more on Barron's

In 2024 Mr. Dawkins himself, while in no way confessing religious belief, deplored the increasing influence of Islam in British life and said he counted himself a “cultural Christian.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

While your friendly columnist has deplored efforts to end-run the state’s voter-established redistricting commission, at least the matter is going on the ballot in a Nov. 4 special election, allowing the people to decide.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Americans, in the meantime, kept poking at nominally Spanish California from the sea and overland, looking for weak points and deploring what they and Europeans thought were wasted possibilities in California’s under-exploited amenities.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

As he arrived in Turkey on his latest trip, Zelensky deplored the fact that negotiations to end the war were happening "behind the back of key parties affected by the consequences of Russian aggression".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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