it was lamentable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was lamentable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express regret or disappointment about a situation or event that was unfortunate or deserving of pity. Example: "The team's performance in the final match was lamentable, leaving fans disheartened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Lord Laming said it was lamentable that "nothing more than basic good practice" would have saved her but "this never happened".

The Guardian

The old wounds and new divisions opened up by Brazil's impeachment vote were evident on Tuesday when Dilma Rousseff said it was "lamentable" that one of her accusers had glorified the torture used against her and others during the dictatorship era.

The Guardian

He said it was "lamentable" that those involved have failed to acknowledge openly in court their failures and the invalidity of their results remained unknown to them for over three years.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's lamentable".

The Guardian

"It's lamentable," Labrado, the federation president, said.

The New York Times

"On an ethical level, it is lamentable," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Yes, it is lamentable that we need reminders to be kind, or even civil, to others.

The New York Times

But it's lamentable that this product even needs to exist.

The New York Times

"It is lamentable that Fifa are not equally honest," wrote the Express.

The Guardian - Sport

It's lamentable how little serious research has been done into this important, life-governing rule.

The Guardian

And even if they could, it is lamentable that the word "sexuality" does not feature in the convention once.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was lamentable" to express a sense of disappointment or sorrow, particularly when something could have been avoided or should have been better. It adds a touch of formality and gravity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was lamentable" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural in less serious settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it was a shame" or "it was unfortunate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was lamentable" functions as a declarative statement expressing regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its use in formal contexts to convey a sense of something being unfortunate or deserving of criticism.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was lamentable" is a grammatically correct and formally appropriate way to express regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI indicates that while not overly common, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, conveying a neutral tone suitable for objective reporting. Alternatives such as "it was regrettable" or "it was unfortunate" may be more suitable for less formal settings. It's important to use this phrase judiciously, considering its somewhat serious and critical undertones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was regrettable

Emphasizes a feeling of sorrow or remorse that something happened.

it was unfortunate

Highlights the bad luck or unfavorable circumstances surrounding an event.

it was disappointing

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations or hopes.

it was a pity

Expresses a mild sense of sadness or regret.

it was a shame

Indicates that something is regrettable or causes feelings of sadness.

it was deplorable

Conveys strong disapproval and condemnation of something.

it was tragic

Emphasizes the extreme sadness and devastation caused by an event.

it was grievous

Highlights the severity and seriousness of a situation.

it was woeful

Describes something as extremely bad or of poor quality.

it was heartbreaking

Focuses on the intense emotional pain and sorrow caused by something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was lamentable" in a sentence?

Use "it was lamentable" to express regret or disappointment about a situation or event. For example, "It was lamentable that the project failed despite our best efforts".

What can I say instead of "it was lamentable"?

You can use alternatives like "it was regrettable", "it was unfortunate", or "it was disappointing" depending on the context.

Is "it is lamentable" or "it was lamentable" more common?

"It was lamentable" is generally used to refer to a past event or situation, while "it is lamentable" refers to a present one. Usage depends on whether you're discussing something that has already occurred or something that is currently happening.

What's the difference between "it was lamentable" and "it was tragic"?

"It was lamentable" suggests disappointment and regret, often implying something could have been avoided. "It was tragic" implies a more profound and devastating event, often involving loss or suffering.