lamentation

[ lam-uhn-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of lamenting or expressing grief.
2. a lament.
3. Lamentations, (used with a singular verb) a book of the Bible, traditionally ascribed to Jeremiah. : Lam.

lamentation

/ ˌlæmɛnˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. a lament; expression of sorrow
2. the act of lamenting

Word History and Origins

Origin of lamentation¹

First recorded in 1325–75; from Middle French lamentacion and Latin lāmentātiōn- (stem of lāmentātiō ), equivalent to lāmentāt(us) (past participle of lāmentārī ) + -iōn- verbal noun suffix; lament, -ion;

Example Sentences

The Bab el-Mandeb, known for being treacherous to navigate even in the most peaceable of times, is said to mean the "Gate of Lamentation," and these days, it’s living up to its name.

From Salon

Its common name is weeping fig, and in these flayed skins the lamentation resonates.

From Los Angeles Times

In a sign of the strength of the “Barbie” soundtrack, the winner’s stiffest Oscars competition may have been another song from the film, “I’m Just Ken,” Ryan Gosling’s doleful lamentation.

From New York Times

The lamentation was cringey, in a small-violin way.

From Los Angeles Times

The Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center’s design is inspired by “Lamentation,” a solo by Martha Graham.

From Los Angeles Times