diff --git a/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/ObjectUtils.java b/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/ObjectUtils.java
index 91a17b917..ccd8db057 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/ObjectUtils.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/apache/commons/lang3/ObjectUtils.java
@@ -1403,8 +1403,12 @@ public class ObjectUtils {
      *
      * <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 ObjectUtils() {
+        // empty
     }
 
 }