From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English lament la‧ment 1 / ləˈment / verb written 1 [ intransitive, transitive ] SAD/UNHAPPY to express feelings of great sadness about something The nation lamented the death of its great war leader. 2 [ transitive ] ANNOY DISAPPOINTED to express annoyance or disappointment about something you think is unsatisfactory or unfair lament that He lamented that people had expected too much of him too soon.