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

Records show the hotel has had habitual criminal activity and it's been known to be in a deplorable state inside. —Raul Trey Lopez, San Antonio Express-News, 29 Sep. 2024

Wayne County officials has touted that its new facility would be safer for inmates, and would remedy deplorable, antiquated, and unsafe conditions at its old facilities. —Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 9 Oct. 2024

That deplorable speech has an impact on people's lives. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2024

The virus was likely already widespread before it was detected in July, and the deplorable sanitary conditions in much of Gaza—with open sewage flowing through the crowded camps for the displaced—favor it. —Byleslie Roberts, science.org, 10 Sep. 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