it would be lamentable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be lamentable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express regret or disappointment about a potential situation or outcome. Example: "If we were to lose this opportunity, it would be lamentable for the entire team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It would be lamentable to revert to such a state.

The New York Times - Magazine

After all the grueling work and effort and her commendable qualifications, it would be lamentable if she were brought down by her undisciplined husband.

The New York Times

No one develops an appetite for huge social upheaval "on a laugh," and it would be lamentable if the smooth metropolitan types simply took this as evidence of Britain's failing education system.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That would be lamentable".

The New York Times

This would be lamentable: the revelations amount to a reversal of what intelligence officials have been claiming for 30 years.

The New York Times

He writes that "the whole place is as bad as a pest house" but says that "it would be indeed a lamentable thing to see so fine a city destroyed".

The New York Times - Arts

Rabinowitz's statements were widely ridiculed and would simply be lamentable if not for recurring recent news items like this one, in which 8 pedestrians and bystanders were injured by a car that jumped the curb in the East Village, possibly as a result of drunken drag-racing.

The New York Times

That would be a lamentable fate for the "Great Sea", invoked in a Jewish prayer which gives this book its title.

The Economist

I think it is lamentable it has taken so long to get that, but it is extremely welcome that we have managed to achieve it.

The Guardian

This may be lamentable, but it's a social reality nonetheless.

The New York Times

It was defeated; the Herald stated, "It is lamentable to see this old man, with one foot in the grave, pursuing the President with such vindictiveness".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would be lamentable" to express a sense of regret or disappointment regarding a potential future event or outcome, particularly when emphasizing the negative consequences or loss associated with it.

Common error

While grammatically correct, avoid using "it would be lamentable" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler, more natural-sounding alternatives like "it would be a shame" or "it would be unfortunate" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be lamentable" functions as a conditional statement expressing a negative evaluation of a hypothetical situation. It implies that the speaker believes the potential outcome is undesirable and would cause regret or disappointment, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it would be lamentable" is a phrase used to express regret or disappointment concerning a potential negative outcome. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, typically found in news and media contexts. While authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian use the phrase, consider the context carefully as overuse in informal settings may sound unnatural. Alternatives like "it would be regrettable" or "it would be unfortunate" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be regrettable

Direct synonym, maintains the same level of formality and expresses a similar sense of disappointment.

it would be unfortunate

Expresses a milder sense of disappointment or bad luck regarding a potential outcome.

it would be a pity

More informal and expresses a lighter sense of regret.

it would be a shame

Similar to "it would be a pity" but can carry a slightly stronger emotional weight.

it would be a loss

Focuses on the deprivation or missed opportunity that the potential situation would cause.

it would be a setback

Highlights the hindrance or delay that the potential situation would create.

it would be calamitous

Emphasizes the disastrous or catastrophic nature of the potential situation.

it would be disastrous

Similar to "it would be calamitous", highlighting the severe negative consequences.

it would be tragic

Conveys a sense of deep sorrow and loss associated with the potential situation.

it would be appalling

Highlights the shocking and offensive nature of the potential situation.

FAQs

How can I use "it would be lamentable" in a sentence?

Use "it would be lamentable" to express regret or disappointment about a potential negative outcome. For example, "If the project fails, "it would be lamentable" for the team's reputation."

What are some alternatives to "it would be lamentable"?

You can use alternatives like "it would be regrettable", "it would be unfortunate", or "it would be a shame" depending on the context.

Is "it is lamentable" or "it would be lamentable" more appropriate?

"It is lamentable" expresses present regret, while ""it would be lamentable"" expresses potential future regret. Choose the phrasing that matches the intended timeline.

What's the difference between "it would be lamentable" and "it is regrettable"?

While similar, ""it would be lamentable"" often carries a slightly stronger sense of gravity or consequence than "it is regrettable". The choice depends on the desired emphasis.