deplorable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deplorable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is deserving of strong condemnation or is shockingly bad. Example: "The conditions in the shelter were deplorable, and immediate action was needed to improve them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The pledge to scrutinise Qatar's committment to worker welfare from the Swiss-based body came as the wage rates paid to workers on the Al Wakrah stadium were attacked as "deplorable" and "tainting football" by a series of senior British politicians.

The Guardian

"Given the amount of money being spent on preparations for the World Cup in Qatar it is utterly deplorable that no one is taking responsibility for the gross exploitation of the workforce including shockingly low pay," he said.

The Guardian

Ireland's deputy prime minister, Eamon Gilmore, said the incident in Lisnaskea was a "deplorable attack by terrorists".

The Guardian

The study's results, described as "deplorable" by one senior conservationist, were published by Scottish Natural Heritage.

The Guardian

Police said the men were living in "deplorable conditions" after being lured with promises of food and cigarettes.

The Guardian

Superintendent George MacDonald from Police Scotland said: "Today's sentence highlights the ultimate consequences of Mutch's deplorable conduct.

The Guardian

Sergeant Steve Murdock told the paper that the four "were prisoners in that house", that conditions were "very deplorable" and it seemed that other men had previously been held there.

The Guardian

"This is a deplorable judgement, and just the latest chapeter in the Malaysian authorities' relentless attempts to silence government critics.

The Guardian

Although his crime was deplorable, as was the example he set his countless young followers, and despite the fact that his aggression has shamed the magnificent traditions of Manchester United Football Club and their supporters, Cantona, to the best of my knowledge, has not murdered or raped anybody.

The Guardian - Sport

As editor, you spend your time in deplorable obscurity, consoled merely by the fact you have the nicest job in journalism.

The Economist

Russia would see it as giving a firm response to the deplorable precedent of Western recognition of Kosovo's independence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deplorable" to express strong disapproval or condemnation, especially when describing actions, conditions, or behaviors that are morally wrong or shockingly bad. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "deplorable" in contexts that only warrant mild disapproval. Using it for trivial matters diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic. Reserve it for truly serious or morally objectionable situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deplorable" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something deserving strong condemnation or shockingly bad. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deplorable" functions as an adjective to express strong disapproval or condemnation. Ludwig AI shows that its most frequent use is in News & Media, with a slightly formal register. While grammatically correct, ensure its usage aligns with the context to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "reprehensible" or "appalling" offer similar but nuanced expressions. Use "deplorable" when you need to emphasize moral wrongness or shocking conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Condemnable

Directly states that something is worthy of condemnation, leaving no room for ambiguity in its disapproval.

Reprehensible

Stresses the moral unacceptability of something, suggesting it deserves strong condemnation and censure.

Appalling

Highlights the shocking and horrifying nature of something, emphasizing its capacity to cause disgust or outrage.

Unacceptable

Emphasizes that something cannot be tolerated or allowed, indicating a firm rejection of its validity or appropriateness.

Atrocious

Indicates an extremely wicked, brutal, or cruel act, often associated with violence or inhumanity.

Disgraceful

Points to the shame and dishonor associated with something, highlighting its violation of accepted standards of behavior.

Regrettable

Focuses on the feeling of sorrow or disappointment, suggesting something is unfortunate but not necessarily morally wrong.

Lamentable

Highlights the regret and sorrow that something causes, implying a sense of loss or misfortune.

Woeful

Emphasizes the sadness and distress caused by something, highlighting its pitiful or tragic nature.

Terrible

A more general term expressing extreme badness or unpleasantness.

FAQs

How can I use "deplorable" in a sentence?

You can use "deplorable" to describe something deserving strong condemnation, like "The living conditions were "deplorable"", or to express something shockingly bad.

What are some synonyms for "deplorable"?

Alternatives to "deplorable" include "reprehensible", "appalling", "lamentable", or "unacceptable depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use the word "deplorable"?

"Deplorable" is appropriate when describing situations or actions that are morally wrong, shockingly bad, or deserving of strong condemnation. Use it when you want to express a strong sense of disapproval or disgust.

Is "deplorable" a formal word?

While "deplorable" can be used in formal contexts, it is also appropriate in many news and media settings. Its formality depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece. Consider the audience and purpose when choosing this word.