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

• cheap
• contemptible
• cruddy
• despicable
• dirty
• grubby
• lame
• lousy
• mean
• nasty
• paltry
• pitiable
• pitiful
• ratty
• scabby
• scummy
• scurvy
• sneaking
• sorry
• wretched

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

The deplorable turn of events became a pop culture phenomenon with stars such as members of Green Day, boy band singer Lance Bass and celebrity chef Cat Cora all issuing support for the student and contributing to a follow-up dance to which everyone was invited. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024

The way the food was served was equally deplorable. —Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2024

One consequence of this deplorable opinion is to show voters, in the starkest way possible, why Trump’s candidacy is a clear and present danger to American democracy. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 2 July 2024

About 15% of Maryland kids live in poverty, a deplorable rate for a state this affluent. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

see deplore

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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