diff --git a/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/AnnotationUtils.java b/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/AnnotationUtils.java
index fcb579b1a..a489cc3e5 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/AnnotationUtils.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/AnnotationUtils.java
@@ -349,7 +349,10 @@ public class AnnotationUtils {
      *
      * <p>This constructor is public to permit tools that require a JavaBean
      * instance to operate.</p>
+     * @deprecated TODO Make private in 4.0.
      */
+    @Deprecated
     public AnnotationUtils() {
+        // empty
     }
 }