deplore
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To feel or express strong disapproval of something; to condemn or regret deeply.
To feel or express profound regret, sorrow, or condemnation for something considered wrong, unfortunate, or morally reprehensible.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a strong, often moral or ethical, judgment of condemnation. It is more intense than 'disapprove' and often carries a sense of public or principled denunciation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and strong in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal writing (e.g., editorials, political discourse) than in everyday speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] deplores [Object][Subject] deplores the fact that [clause][Subject] deplores [possessive] [action/behaviour]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with 'deplore']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal corporate statements regarding unethical practices: 'The board deplores the breach of data privacy.'
Academic
Common in political science, ethics, and history texts to express condemnation of events or ideologies.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used in formal discussions or news commentary.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister deplored the rise in hate crimes across the country.
- We deeply deplore the vandalism of the war memorial.
American English
- The senator deplored the lack of bipartisan cooperation.
- Human Rights Watch deplored the administration's new policy.
adverb
British English
- [The adverb 'deplorably' is used, not a form of 'deplore'.]
American English
- [The adverb 'deplorably' is used, not a form of 'deplore'.]
adjective
British English
- [The adjective 'deplorable' is used, not 'deplore'.]
American English
- [The adjective 'deplorable' is used, not 'deplore'.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher deplored the cheating she saw in the exam.
- Many people deplore cruelty to animals.
- Community leaders have publicly deplored the recent acts of vandalism.
- I deplore the fact that so much food is wasted while people go hungry.
- The historian deplored the government's attempts to whitewash the atrocities of the past.
- In her speech, she deplored the systemic inequalities that persist in the industry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'de-PLORE' as in 'to cry out (lament) against something PLORefully because you find it deeply wrong.'
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL WRONGNESS IS A CONTAMINANT / STAIN (to be deplored and cleansed).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'оплакивать' (to mourn/lament) which is more about sadness than moral condemnation. 'Deplore' is closer to 'осуждать' or 'считать недопустимым'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for mild dislike (e.g., 'I deplore the weather today').
- Confusing it with 'explore'.
- Using it without a direct object (e.g., 'I deplore' is incomplete).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'deplore' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say 'I really disapprove of that' or 'I think that's terrible'.
The related noun is 'deploration', but it is very rare. More common nouns are 'condemnation' or 'disapproval'.
It is typically used for issues with a moral, ethical, or serious societal dimension. Using it for minor personal dislikes (e.g., 'I deplore broccoli') sounds exaggerated and humorous.
Both express strong regret. 'Deplore' strongly emphasises moral condemnation ('this is wrong'). 'Lament' emphasises sorrow and mourning for a loss or unfortunate situation ('this is sad'). You deplore a crime, but lament a tragedy.