What does lament mean?
To lament is to mourn or express deep sorrow, most often for a death or a significant loss. The word can also mean to complain forcefully about an unfortunate situation, as in statements that lament poor conditions or a lack of action. As a noun, a lament is an expression of grief, sorrow, or regret; it may refer to a personal cry of distress, a formal statement of mourning, or a broader lamentation. The word has a literary and often solemn quality, so it is especially suited to poetry, ceremony, history, and serious public commentary. Although it can convey grief, “lament” is not limited to bereavement: it is also used for any serious loss or worthy cause that people feel has been neglected. Its Latin origin gives it a sense of established, ritual mourning rather than casual sadness.
To express grief or sorrow for someone or something; to mourn a loss.
"They gathered to lament the loss of a respected community leader."
Often formal or literary in tone.
To regret or complain strongly about an unfortunate situation or the failure to address a problem.
"Many residents lamented the closure of the local hospital."
Common in formal reporting and public discussion.
An expression of grief, sorrow, or regret.
"Her lament filled the hall with the sound of mourning."
Can be countable, especially for a specific cry or statement of grief.
Usually countable when referring to separate expressions of grief or complaints; the plural is standard for multiple laments.
"The defeated general offered laments over the loss."
From the Latin lamentum, “lament” carries the sound of ritual mourning: it describes not only private grief but also formal public expressions of sorrow.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lament
The English word comes through Old French from Latin lamentum, meaning “lamentation” or “a cry of grief.” The Latin noun belongs to a family of words associated with crying out and mourning, while lamentation continued in English as a related form. The word entered English in Middle English and became established in both solemn mourning and formal complaint.
Related word forms
How lament is actually used
The word is literary and often carries a formal or elevated tone. In its second verb sense, “lament” is especially common in journalism and political commentary, where it means to regret or complain forcefully about a situation.
Easily confused with lament
Lament can refer to the act of mourning or the expression of sorrow, whereas lamentation usually means the mourning itself or a prolonged lament.
Lament is a verb or noun expressing sorrow, while lamentable is an adjective describing something that is regrettable or causes mourning.