lamentable enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lamentable enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is regrettable or unfortunate to a sufficient degree. Example: "The team's performance was lamentable enough to warrant a complete review of their strategies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A career checkered by several take-the-money-and-run flops lamentable enough that he must keep a quiver of self-deprecating jokes at the ready, should one of them be mentioned.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

There are only a few hours left in this lamentable year, barely enough time for summation, much less a true accounting of what 2001 has meant in the lives of each one of us and the life of a nation.

The New York Times

They trot out real enough examples of lamentable corruption or silliness -- the Spanish Inquisition, for example, or creationism -- but then absurdly insist that all religious belief is cut from the same soiled cloth.

Huffington Post

Germany was the only country strong enough to delay the death of the lamentable constitution; keeping it alive is testimony to an enduring influence.In Angela Merkel, Germany also has one of the few EU leaders able to translate national power into international influence.

The Economist

There ought to be more than enough reasons for politicians to challenge these truly lamentable percentages and work towards finding ways of improving them.

The Guardian

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla .— As fashion statements go, the young men's "sagging pants" look, with trousers slung low enough to reveal a generous swath of boxer shorts, has some lamentable drawbacks.

The New York Times

One should never mock a man brave enough to put on boxing gloves and climb through the ropes, however lamentable the consequences.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course West Indies cricket has a great distance to go – the two lamentable Tests that formed Our Dear Leader Sachin Tendulkar's Great and Glorious Farewell last year were evidence enough of that.

The Guardian - Sport

Some, such as Veronica Mars, have been worthy contenders, combining tight plotting with strong characterisation and witty dialogue; others, such as the lamentable Ringer, proved that simply casting Sarah Michelle Gellar as the lead (twice over) isn't enough.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"That would be lamentable".

The New York Times

This is lamentable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lamentable enough", ensure the context clearly establishes what is being deemed regrettable and the standard it barely meets. This provides clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "lamentable enough" too frequently in formal or academic writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more neutral phrases like "sufficiently regrettable" or "inadequate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lamentable enough" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or situation. It indicates that something is regrettable or deficient to a sufficient degree to warrant concern or action. Ludwig AI provides examples where it describes failures or inadequacies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lamentable enough" is a phrase used to describe something that is regrettable or deficient to a significant extent, primarily found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that while grammatically correct, it is relatively rare. When writing, ensure the context clearly defines what is being deemed regrettable and the standard it barely meets, and consider using more formal alternatives in academic or business settings to maintain a professional tone. Related phrases such as "sufficiently regrettable" or "regrettably inadequate" can offer similar meaning with subtle variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lamentably inadequate

Similar meaning but puts emphasis on the inadequacy not the acceptance level of something.

sufficiently regrettable

Focuses on the level of regret associated with something, rather than its deficiency.

regrettable to a degree

Emphasizes that something is regrettable, adding a nuance of gradation.

sadly adequate

Highlights the disappointing adequacy of something, implying it barely meets requirements.

painfully insufficient

Highlights the lack of sufficiency and the negative consequences it brings.

deplorably sufficient

Stresses the unsatisfactory sufficiency of something, suggesting it's barely acceptable.

tragically adequate

Highlights the tragic nature and the barely satisfactory state of something.

woefully deficient

Focuses on the severe lack or inadequacy of something, rather than regret.

unacceptably poor

Highlights the poor quality and that it is unacceptable.

disappointingly mediocre

Emphasizes the mediocrity of something and the disappointment associated with it.

FAQs

How can I use "lamentable enough" in a sentence?

You can use "lamentable enough" to describe something that is regrettable to a certain degree. For example, "The team's performance was "lamentable enough" to warrant a complete review of their strategies."

What's a more formal alternative to "lamentable enough"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "sufficiently regrettable" or "regrettably inadequate" instead of "lamentable enough" to maintain a professional tone.

Is "lamentable enough" always negative?

Yes, "lamentable enough" carries a negative connotation, indicating something is regrettable or deficient to a notable extent. The level of acceptance of a concept is not optimal.

What is the difference between "lamentable enough" and "tragic enough"?

"Lamentable enough" implies regret or disappointment to a certain degree, while "tragic enough" suggests something is deeply sorrowful or catastrophic. Although both describe negative situations, the latter implies more gravity.