Words / C1

di-PLOR/dɪˈplɔː/

To deplore is to say that you strongly disapprove of something: deplore violence, deplore the delay. Disapprove is everyday and weaker; lament is closer when there is sorrow; condemn is hotter and more public. Deplorable is the adjective. Formal, often in statements and editorials. In speech, I think it is awful is enough. Deplore judges the thing; it does not by itself stop it. Do not deplore a mild inconvenience.

Meaning

To say that you strongly disapprove of something.

Examples

• “We deplore violence in any form.”
• “We deplore the late notice to families; an apology is the least required.”
• “The editorial deplored the tone of the debate without naming a remedy.”

Good to know

Strongly disapprove (formal). Adjective: deplorable. Everyday: think it awful. Close: lament (sadder), condemn (hotter). Not for minor annoyances.

Near in meaning

disapprove

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