Lamentable

/ˈlæm.ən.tə.bəl/ adjective

Definition

Something that is so bad or sad that it deserves to be mourned or regretted deeply.

Etymology

From Latin lamentabilis, derived from lamentari meaning 'to wail or moan.' The root comes from lamenta, expressing grief or sorrow, and evolved to describe anything worthy of lamentation.

Kelly Says

The word 'lament' literally means to wail—so when something is lamentable, it's bad enough to make people cry out! Medieval poets used this word constantly to describe tragedies, and it still carries that dramatic weight today.

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