lament

[luh-ment]

verb (used with object)

1. to feel or express sorrow or regret for.

   to lament his absence.

   Synonyms: deplore, bemoan, bewail

2. to mourn for or over.

   Synonyms: deplore, bemoan, bewail

verb (used without object)

1. to feel, show, or express grief, sorrow, or regret.

   Synonyms: weep, grieve

2. to mourn deeply.

   Synonyms: weep, grieve

noun

1. an expression of grief or sorrow.

   Synonyms: moan, lamentation

2. a formal expression of sorrow or mourning, especially in verse or song; an elegy or dirge.

   Synonyms: threnody, monody

lament

/ ləˈmɛnt /

verb

1. to feel or express sorrow, remorse, or regret (for or over)

noun

1. an expression of sorrow

2. a poem or song in which a death is lamented

Other Word Forms

• lamenter noun
• lamentingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lament¹

First recorded in 1520–30; (noun) from Latin lāmentum “plaint”; (verb) from Latin lāmentārī, derivative of lāmentum

Word History and Origins

Origin of lament¹

C16: from Latin lāmentum

Example Sentences

He lamented that he wouldn’t have time to visit Walt Disney World and Universal’s new Epic Universe.

From Los Angeles Times

Many doctors lamented how once-clear vaccine guidelines have become muddled and confusing.

From Los Angeles Times

Granted, “The Paper” doesn’t expressly lament this expansion of news deserts.

From Salon

No time to lament now, as Dallas faces Super Bowl champion Philadelphia on Thursday night in the annual kickoff opener.

From Los Angeles Times

He said it himself afterwards, bemoaning the standard of his team's attacking game, lamenting the absence of creativity while concluding that this is "not the way Celtic play."

From BBC

Related Words

• bemoan 
• deplore 
• regret