Jeremiad

usgb/ˌdʒerɪˈmaɪæd/
noun

A long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes.

His speech was a lengthy jeremiad about the pitfalls of modern society.
Visual representation of "jeremiad" - A long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes.

Often appears as...

  • lengthy jeremiad
  • political jeremiad

Usage tips

Formal

Literary

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Visual representation of "jeremiad"
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Negative Tone

Jeremiad always implies a negative and sorrowful perspective on its subject.

Illustration for Negative Tone
Her autobiography was a jeremiad, focusing on a succession of tragedies.
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Literary Use

Frequently found in written texts, especially literature, rather than in everyday conversation.

Illustration for Literary Use
The novel's protagonist often slips into jeremiads about the decay of culture.
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Strong Emotion

'Jeremiad' conveys a sense of deep emotional outpouring, not just a casual complaint.

Illustration for Strong Emotion
The poet's latest work is a jeremiad mourning the loss of innocence in war.
Visual representation of the word "Jeremiad"

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