deplorable

adjective

de·​plor·​able di-ˈplȯr-ə-bəl 

1

: deserving censure or contempt

deplorable behavior

: wretched

deplorable living conditions

2

: lamentable

a deplorable death

deplorableness noun

deplorably

di-ˈplȯr-ə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of deplorable

• pitiful
• lame
• cheap
• wretched
• disgusting
• dirty
• nasty
• hateful
• mean

Examples of deplorable in a Sentence

we will not tolerate such deplorable behavior in a house of worship

condemned the deplorable conditions in which the family was living

Recent Examples on the Web

Stause also had a fallout with her best friend Emma Hernan after her new boyfriend made deplorable comments about the LGBTQ+ community. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025

This was undoubtedly the most deplorable abuse of presidential pardon power in America’s history. —St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025

What the Trump Administration is doing is deplorable. —David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Advocating for the assassination of political opponents is deplorable and fundamentally contrary to Texan values. —Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see deplore

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for deplorable

• horrible
• storable
• adorable

Kids Definition

deplorable

adjective

de·​plor·​able di-ˈplōr-ə-bəl 

-ˈplȯr-

1

: deserving to be deplored : lamentable

a deplorable accident

2

: very bad : wretched

deplorable conditions

deplorableness noun

deplorably

-blē 

adverb