Literature Glossary
Don’t be an oxymoron. Know your literary terms.
Over 200 literary terms, Shmooped to perfection.
Lament
Definition:
A lament is an expression of grief, usually in the form of a song or a poem.
For example, in Guys and Dolls, when Adelaide bemoans her lack of a husband, that's a lament. (Fitting then, that the tune is called "Adelaide's Lament," don't you think?)
In the mood for a more classic—and way older—example of a lament? Check out "Deor," an Old English heroic poem.
It's a total downer. You're welcome.