deplorable character

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deplorable character" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone whose behavior or moral qualities are considered very bad or unacceptable. Example: "His actions over the years have revealed a deplorable character that is hard to overlook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For him I'd say it ought to be any one of the Rabbit books — maybe the second, "Rabbit Redux," in which my deplorable character at least appears as a working man.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But deplorable characters are just more interesting.

Huffington Post

Do you love writing deplorable characters?

Huffington Post

In the past, those messages have mostly been about how funny people find my books, how much one of my more deplorable characters reminds them of someone they know, or how people hope they never end up leading the lives of the characters in my books.

Huffington Post

In the course of writing "Groucho" did you find anything deplorable in his character or deeds? A. I wouldn't say deplorable, but there was a sadness, as there is to many comics' lives.

The New York Times

We were nearing the book's end, and I'd grown accustomed to speaking in the different townspeople's voices, varying accent and pitch, sometimes saying deplorable things in character.

Huffington Post

Ms Rubenhold followed hints in scandal sheets, and gives that honour to an equally deplorable but slightly more engaging character, the drunken poet Samuel Derrick.

The Guardian

The people should be able to compare each candidate's ITO and rap sheet, without being distracted by alleged incidents of deplorable personal behaviour or sociopathic character traits, and decide for themselves who they want as kingpin.

Vice

The Public and Commercial Services union, which represents one of the three suspended officials, has described the decision as "deplorable, but sadly not out of character" for the government.

The Guardian

"The way ministers have sought to blame civil servants in the Department for Transport before any of the facts have been established has been deplorable, but sadly not out of character," said Mark Serwotka, the PCS general secretary.

The Guardian

Make no mistake, Game of Thrones is a show where most of the characters on it do horrible, deplorable, monstrous things to others and themselves.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deplorable character" when you want to express strong disapproval of someone's moral qualities or actions. Ensure the context clearly justifies such a harsh judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "deplorable character" for minor offenses or disagreements. It's a strong phrase best reserved for genuinely egregious moral failings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deplorable character" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "deplorable" modifies the noun "character". It serves to qualify and negatively characterize an individual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deplorable character" is a grammatically sound way to describe someone whose moral qualities are deeply unacceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not very common, it appears in news sources, indicating a neutral formality level. The phrase conveys strong disapproval and should be reserved for situations where such condemnation is warranted. Consider alternatives like "reprehensible individual" or "morally bankrupt character" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reprehensible individual

Emphasizes the blameworthy nature of the person.

Despicable person

Highlights the contemptible nature of the individual.

Morally bankrupt character

Focuses on the lack of moral principles.

Unethical individual

Points out the lack of ethical behavior.

Base character

Suggests a lack of nobility or refinement.

Wretched person

Emphasizes the miserable or contemptible state.

Degraded character

Suggests a decline from a higher moral state.

Corrupt individual

Implies dishonesty and abuse of power.

Vile character

Highlights the disgusting or offensive nature.

Infamous figure

Focuses on widespread negative reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "deplorable character" in a sentence?

You can use "deplorable character" to describe someone whose actions or morals are deeply unacceptable. For example: "His actions over the years have revealed a "deplorable character" that is hard to overlook."

What are some alternatives to "deplorable character"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reprehensible individual", "despicable person", or "morally bankrupt character".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "deplorable character"?

It is appropriate when describing someone whose moral failings are severe and warrant strong condemnation. Avoid using it in trivial or minor situations.

What distinguishes "deplorable character" from "bad character"?

"Deplorable character" carries a stronger connotation of moral repugnance than "bad character". It suggests actions or qualities that are not only wrong but also deeply offensive or deserving of strong disapproval.