deplorablede‧plor‧a‧ble /dɪˈplɔːrəbəl/ adjective formal 
The prisoners were held in deplorable conditions. His conduct was deplorable.—deplorably adverb
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a deplorable mistake
- American day care centers range from excellent to deplorable.
- In addition to their harsh sentences, the prisoners have been exposed to deplorable prison conditions.
- Something must be done about the deplorable state of our roads.
- Does not the Minister realise that the unemployment figures in the Province are deplorable?
- It is in respect of bad human behaviour generally that the almost complete absence of condemnation from organised religion is so deplorable.
- To a certain extent, the deplorable state of manners is just another trendy morsel for public devouring.
- Tories in the region say recent royal coverage has been deplorable.
- Whatever you may think about the morality of abortion, these are the most deplorable scare tactics.
- When will he do something about that deplorable record?
- Would the Prime Minister explain why he thinks that deplorable situation exists?
Longman Language Activatora situation that you think is wrong or immoral
· It's very bad that tons of food are going to waste while people are starving.· What's really bad is the way the government promises new housing and never provides it.
morally unacceptable, unfair, and against accepted ideas about what should be allowed to happen: · I was taught that abortion is wrong, even though it's not illegal.· It's wrong the way they treat that poor animal.
something that is disgusting makes people feel shocked and angry, because it is completely immoral, evil, or unfair: · The attitude toward immigrants and racial minorities in this country is disgusting.· It's disgusting the way politicians use their position to their personal advantage.
very immoral, unfair, or cruel, in a way that people think is unnecessary and unacceptable: · The state of the country's health system is scandalous.· a shocking waste of human life· The amount of money spent on nuclear weapons is shocking.· It's scandalous that a lawyer who holds a position of trust would be involved in this kind of embezzlement.
a situation that is outrageous is extremely bad and unfair in a way that makes people very angry: · I've always thought it outrageous that the poor have to pay for tax cuts for the rich.· The President accused the writer of an outrageous personal attack on his wife.
if you say something is a disgrace , you think it should not be allowed to happen, because it is very unfair or unkind: · The way they treat their workers is a disgrace.it's a disgrace (that): · It's a disgrace that the only hospital in the town has been closed.
you say that a situation is a crime or is a sin when you mean it is very bad, especially because it is not fair and could easily be prevented: · No one should be in such a bad way that they have to beg. It's a sin.· The condition of the inner cities in this country is nothing short of a crime.it's a crime/sin to do something: · Mrs Clark said it would be a sin to evict them just because they hadn't paid their rent.· It would be a crime not to take this opportunity to reconstruct our educational system.
a situation that is criminal is morally wrong, but not illegal: · I think keeping animals locked up in cages is criminal.· Having such beautiful paintings and not letting the public see them is a criminal waste of the nation's art treasures.
formal a situation that is deplorable is very bad, especially when it is unnecessary and could easily be prevented: · Something must be done about the deplorable state of our roads.· In addition to their harsh sentences, the prisoners have been exposed to deplorable prison conditions.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The prisoners were held in deplorable conditions.
very bad, unpleasant, and shocking SYN appalling: The prisoners were held in deplorable conditions. The prisoners were held in deplorable conditions. His conduct was deplorable.—deplorably adverb