deplorable

adjective

de·​plor·​able di-ˈplȯr-ə-bəl How to pronounce deplorable (audio)
1
: deserving censure or contempt
deplorable behavior
: wretched
deplorable living conditions
2
: lamentable
a deplorable death
deplorableness noun
deplorably adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
She was fired because her findings about the deplorable conditions in juvenile facilities didn’t align with the state’s political narrative. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025 At almost every turn, they were guarded, held at gunpoint and kept in such deplorable conditions that one of them developed countless sores, another could not walk and a third had serious health conditions that went untreated. Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025 Migrants said the death was caused in part by deplorable conditions in the warehouse in the coldest winter months that weren’t addressed. Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2025 But such hopes for a prosperous future were dashed by the Macías Nguema regime; the deplorable attitudes of Spain during colonial rule had a psychological impact on Macías, one that helps to explain his demented behavior once in power. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deplorable

Word History

Etymology

see deplore

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of deplorable was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deplorable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deplorable. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

deplorable

adjective
de·​plor·​able di-ˈplōr-ə-bəl How to pronounce deplorable (audio)
-ˈplȯr-
1
: deserving to be deplored : lamentable
a deplorable accident
2
: very bad : wretched
deplorable conditions
deplorableness noun
deplorably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on deplorable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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