deplorable state

USAGE SUMMARY

"deplorable state" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation or condition that is extremely bad or unacceptable. Example: The community was in a deplorable state after the natural disaster. Alternative expressions include "dire condition" and "appalling situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I've written before about the deplorable state of Indian cities.

The New York Times

Part of the problem is the deplorable state of civic education in this country.

The New York Times

The probable cause they cited instead was the generally deplorable state of hygiene in the hospital.

The Economist

"[It] was in a deplorable state of disrepair," Davidson, now 78, told The Moment.

The New York Times

Having acknowledged this deplorable state of affairs let us not be too despondent.

The Guardian - Arts

A perfect way to despair about the absolutely deplorable state of the modern world.

The Guardian

Eleanor Roosevelt would later open her husband's eyes to the deplorable state of the poor in New York's slums.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Toronto and other Canadian cities have allowed the homeless and affordable-housing situation to decline into a deplorable state.

The New York Times

Unicef, the United Nations Children's Fund, said the sewage system in the city was in a "deplorable state".

The New York Times

Thurgood Marshall, head of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, questioned whether it was all worth it, given the deplorable state of Southern jails.

The New York Times

Mr. Navalny attributes the site's success to official sensitivities to a deep vein of public anger over the deplorable state of housing in Russia, and particularly in Moscow.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “deplorable state” to emphasize the urgent need for improvement or change.

Common error

Avoid using "deplorable state" in contexts that require a neutral or objective tone. Opt for less emotive alternatives like "poor condition" or "challenging situation" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deplorable state" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a subject to indicate its extremely poor or unacceptable condition. Examples from Ludwig show its usage across varied contexts, from describing infrastructure to societal issues, confirming its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deplorable state" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations of extreme inadequacy or unacceptability. As validated by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While semantically interchangeable alternatives like "dreadful condition" or "sad situation" exist, "deplorable state" carries a stronger negative charge. When employing this phrase, remember to ensure that the context warrants such a strong descriptor to avoid diluting its impact. Overuse in neutral contexts can diminish the expression's effectiveness. The expression is fit for neutral register use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dreadful condition

Replaces "state" with "condition" and "deplorable" with "dreadful", slightly altering the emotional intensity.

atrocious situation

Uses "atrocious" to intensify the negativity, suggesting extreme unpleasantness or horror.

pitiful condition

Highlights the aspect of eliciting pity or compassion due to the severity of the condition.

disgraceful situation

Emphasizes the shamefulness of the situation, shifting the focus from mere badness to moral unacceptability.

unacceptable condition

Focuses on the lack of acceptability, rather than the inherent quality of the state itself.

awful predicament

Suggests a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

sad situation

Uses more general terms to describe an unfortunate circumstance. Less formal and intense.

woeful circumstances

Indicates deep sorrow or regret about the circumstances.

sorrowful plight

A more literary and emotionally charged alternative, highlighting suffering and misfortune.

bad shape

An informal expression indicating something is in poor condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "deplorable state" to describe an extremely bad or unacceptable condition. For example: "The infrastructure of the city was in a "deplorable state" after the earthquake."

What are some alternatives to "deplorable state"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "dreadful condition", "sad situation", or "disgraceful situation".

Is "deplorable state" a formal or informal expression?

"Deplorable state" is considered a moderately formal expression suitable for news reports, academic papers, and formal discussions. For informal contexts, "bad shape" might be more appropriate.

What makes "deplorable state" different from "poor condition"?

"Deplorable state" implies a stronger negative judgment and a sense of moral outrage or condemnation, whereas "poor condition" is a more neutral description of something being in a bad state.