Word
lament
US/ɫəˈmɛnt/
UK/lɐmˈɛnt/
Definitions
01to express regret or sorrow
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to say or show that you are very sad or disappointed about a situation.
v. to express deep regret, grief, or disappointment regarding a specific circumstance or loss. Often used transitively with a direct object.
“Many citizens lament the closing of the historic library in the city centre.”
“Environmentalists lament the disappearance of these wetlands, which once served as a vital sanctuary for migratory birds.”
Usage
Commonly takes a direct object, though it can be used intransitively to describe the act of mourning in general.
Synonyms
02an expression of grief
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary · Formal
n. a song, poem, or speech that expresses deep sadness, especially for someone who has died.
n. a formal expression of sorrow or mourning, often taking the form of a literary work, musical composition, or dirge.
“The poet wrote a moving lament for his friend who passed away.”
“The cellist performed a haunting lament that echoed through the cathedral, capturing the somber mood of the memorial service.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“There are thousands of videos like this one on social media, lamenting the "luteal uglies" - the changes in appearance and mood that women say appear during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle.” “The lead single is a gorgeous, violin-led lament.” Etymology
A back-formation from lamentation or else from Middle French lamenter and its etymon Latin lāmentor (“I wail, weep”), from lāmentum (“wailing, moaning, weeping”); with formative -mentum, from the root *la-, probably ultimately imitative. Also see latrare.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/lament