lamentable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lamentable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is regrettable, unfortunate, or deserving of criticism. Example: "The team's performance in the final match was lamentable, leading to their early exit from the tournament."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By also stating that we should be alarmed by a change in the clothes that individuals choose to wear is also a lamentable observation.

The Guardian

The NHS has a lamentable record when it comes to spreading innovation; the vanguard programme needs to demonstrate how this inertia can be broken.

The Guardian

The delay is lamentable and the reasons unsustainable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a "wretched business" and a "lamentable" story, he said.

The Guardian

Baird, Northumbria's police and crime commissioner, said the IPCC's performance over Orgreave appeared so lamentable that she would rate its scoping assessment at "two-and-a-quarter" out of 10.

The Guardian

"It is lamentable that the government has approved a Supreme Decree authorising oil and gas prospection in protected areas," Vargas is quoted as saying.

The Guardian

It is a "lamentable" story.

The Guardian

The progress on exports has been lamentable.

The Guardian - Business

Larger zoos now employ fundraisers.Pushing products in traditionally lamentable zoo shops helps.

The Economist

This was a response to the lamentable record of the region's state-run pension systems, whose pensions were often shrivelled by inflation or by government raids on their funds.

The Economist

SIR —Your sober reflection on the "criminal negligence of Mr. Bush's administration" ultimately offers the lamentable excuse that if only the war had been undertaken with "humility, honesty and courage," it might have turned out differently.You are badly mistaken.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lamentable" to express a sense of sorrow or regret about a situation or event, particularly when emphasizing its unfortunate or undesirable qualities.

Common error

While "lamentable" is a perfectly valid word, overuse in casual conversation can make your speech sound overly formal or pretentious. Consider using simpler alternatives like "unfortunate" or "disappointing" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "lamentable" primarily functions to express disapproval or regret regarding a particular situation, action, or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts ranging from political observations to economic analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "lamentable" is a versatile adjective used to express regret, disappointment, or disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various domains, especially in news and media. While its authoritative sources underscore its validity, it's important to be mindful of the context, opting for simpler synonyms in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal. Remembering these guidelines will ensure effective and appropriate use of "lamentable" in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deplorable

Indicates strong disapproval and condemnation; often used for something shockingly bad.

regrettable

Expresses sorrow or disappointment about something that has happened or is the case.

pitiful

Evokes feelings of sorrow and compassion, often implying inadequacy or weakness.

unfortunate

Suggests bad luck or an undesirable situation.

disappointing

Indicates that something has failed to meet expectations.

woeful

Implies deep sorrow or distress, often describing a miserable condition.

tragic

Highlights the extremely sorrowful or terrible nature of an event or situation.

sorrowful

Expresses deep sadness or regret.

grievous

Suggests severe or serious harm or suffering.

distressing

Causes anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

FAQs

How to use "lamentable" in a sentence?

You can use "lamentable" to describe something that is regrettable or unfortunate. For example, "The team's performance was "lamentable", resulting in their defeat."

What can I say instead of "lamentable"?

You can use alternatives like "deplorable", "regrettable", or "unfortunate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "lamentable situation" or "pathetic situation"?

"Lamentable situation" refers to a situation that is regrettable or unfortunate, while "pathetic situation" refers to a situation that evokes pity or contempt. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Lamentable" describes something unfortunate or regrettable, whereas "tragic" describes something deeply sorrowful and often involving loss or suffering. "Tragic" carries a heavier emotional weight than "lamentable".