deplorable

[dih-plawr-uh-buhl, -plohr-] / dɪˈplɔr ə bəl, -ˈploʊr- /

ADJECTIVE

unfortunate, shameful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

dire disastrous disgraceful distressing dreadful grievous horrifying intolerable lamentable miserable regrettable reprehensible scandalous terrible tragic unbearable unsatisfactory wretched

WEAK

afflictive awful blameworthy bummer calamitous dirty dishonorable disreputable dolorous downer execrable faulty godawful grim heartbreaking heartrending lousy melancholy mournful opprobrious overwhelming pitiable poor rotten sad sickening stinking woeful

Antonyms

STRONGEST

acceptable bearable blessed fortunate good happy lucky nice pleasant respectable satisfactory successful tolerable wonderful

WEAK

cheerful delightful excellent shameless

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While local authorities said less than 40 died, NGOs insisted several thousand migrant workers -- many from Nepal -- perished in deplorable conditions in the extreme heat, often from heart attacks.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

"Whoever committed this deplorable wildlife crime should hang their heads in shame."

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

"The bears were kept in deplorable conditions and we were desperate to set them free," said Mr Knight.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

The theft, he said, succeeded in “giving France a deplorable image.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 20, 2025

And his deplorable habit of being bold after the event, and full, in absence, of the most extraordinary presence of mind.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

deplorable

Example Sentences

Related Words