lamentably

USAGE SUMMARY

"lamentably" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to mean "unhappily" or "disappointingly." Example sentence: Lamentably, the hurricane caused extensive damage to the town.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Having failed lamentably with their much vaunted plan to eliminate the so-called structural budget deficit within the lifetime of this parliament, they now boast that they have halved it.

The Guardian

In fact, just as Mirren, the actress, has acquired the regal confidence to leave the theatre and command silence in the streets (when vexed by drummers), it has become easy to imagine her double deploring, if not a hereditary monarchy, then the lamentably few roles – outside her palaces – available to older working women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nevertheless, the commission's ideas on what to do fall lamentably short.A nut to crush a sledgehammerWar in the Middle East, oppression in Africa and the ubiquitous human desire for a better life: all have played their part in causing a surge of migration into the EU.

The Economist

Barisan's ethnic-Chinese parties did lamentably at the election.

The Economist

Lamentably, even after the tragedy at Rana Plaza there has been little sign of this.

The Economist

Loth simply to ram reform (pensions are only the start) down the throats of an unprepared citizenry, Mr Raffarin has proved politically cannier than the last centre-right prime minister, Alain Juppé, who failed lamentably in 1995 when he tried to do so.

The Economist

And can it learn from other firms who have been through something similar?The answer to the first question is that Toyota was lamentably slow to respond to the large number of incidents of "unintended acceleration" involving its cars.

The Economist

There is talk of yet more pruning of tax exemptions, and possibly a new tax on "extravagant" incomes though not, lamentably, of reversing a daft reduction in value-added tax for restaurants that costs the state €2.4 billion ($3.5 billion) a year.

The Economist

Having made a fine speech to the Arabs in Cairo early in his presidency, Mr Obama then lamentably failed to go to Jerusalem to persuade the Israelis of their need to strike a deal with the Palestinians.

The Economist

But as delicious as Dead Guy Ale, Three Philosophers and Big Sky Moose Drool may be, by volume sold they are decidedly small beer: Americans remain lamentably wedded to their weak brews.

The Economist

And they are testing the limits of what is possible with less fear than before.These are the baby steps of freedom, lamentably small for those who were expecting the advance to be much quicker, but still significant for those who are taking them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lamentably" to add a tone of regret or disappointment when describing a negative situation or outcome. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when emphasizing the unfortunate nature of an event.

Common error

Avoid using "lamentably" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or overly dramatic in everyday contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "unfortunately" or "sadly" instead.

Linguistic Context

Lamentably functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or entire clause to express regret, disappointment, or a sense of something being unfortunate. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly conveys a sense of something deserving lamentation, adding emotional weight to a statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lamentably" functions as an adverb used to express regret or disappointment. Ludwig AI affirms its correct grammatical status and its suitability for expressing a negative evaluation of a situation. Its usage is most common in News & Media sources, with a neutral register overall. When writing, it's best to use "lamentably" in formal contexts and consider alternatives like "regrettably" or "unfortunately" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettably

This alternative is a direct synonym, focusing on the feeling of regret associated with the situation.

unfortunately

This alternative focuses on the aspect of bad luck or adverse circumstances.

sadly

This alternative emphasizes the sorrowful or unhappy nature of the situation.

deplorably

This alternative emphasizes the moral reprehensibility or unacceptability of the situation.

woefully

This alternative highlights the inadequacy or insufficiency of something, leading to regret.

alas

This alternative is a more archaic and dramatic expression of sorrow or regret.

it is regrettable that

This alternative is a more formal and explicit way of expressing regret.

to my dismay

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's personal disappointment or distress.

it's a pity that

This alternative expresses a sense of sorrow or disappointment about something.

it's unfortunate that

This alternative is a more detached and impersonal way of stating that something is regrettable.

FAQs

How can I use "lamentably" in a sentence?

"Lamentably" is an adverb used to express regret or disappointment about something. For example, "Lamentably, the project was not completed on time."

What words can I use instead of "lamentably"?

You can use alternatives such as "regrettably", "unfortunately", or "sadly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "lamentably"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "lamentably". As an adverb, it can modify the entire sentence and set a tone of regret or disappointment.

What is the difference between "lamentably" and "tragically"?

"Lamentably" expresses regret or disappointment, while "tragically" implies a more severe and sorrowful event, often involving loss or suffering. The choice depends on the degree of negativity you wish to convey.