Regrettable: meaning, definitions and examples

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regrettable

 

[ rɪˈɡretəbl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of sorrow or disappointment

Deserving of regret; unfortunate. Something that is regrettable is a situation or event that is unfortunate and something that you wish had not happened.

Synonyms

sad, unfortunate, unlucky

Examples of usage

  • It's regrettable that he couldn't be here for the celebration.
  • The accident was regrettable, but thankfully no one was seriously injured.
  • She made a regrettable decision that she now deeply regrets.
Context #2 | Adjective

used to politely express disappointment or apology

Expressing disappointment or sadness in a polite or formal way. Regrettable is often used in formal situations to express a sense of disappointment or to apologize for something.

Synonyms

apologetic, disappointing, unfortunate

Examples of usage

  • It is regrettable that we are unable to offer you the position at this time.
  • Regrettable as it is, we must cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

Translations

Translations of the word "regrettable" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lamentável

🇮🇳 दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण

🇩🇪 bedauerlich

🇮🇩 disesalkan

🇺🇦 прикрий

🇵🇱 godny pożałowania

🇯🇵 遺憾

🇫🇷 regrettable

🇪🇸 lamentable

🇹🇷 üzücü

🇰🇷 유감스러운

🇸🇦 مؤسف

🇨🇿 politováníhodný

🇸🇰 poľutovaniahodný

🇨🇳 令人遗憾

🇸🇮 obžalovanja vreden

🇮🇸 eftirsjáanlegt

🇰🇿 өкінішті

🇬🇪 სამწუხარო

🇦🇿 təəssüf doğuran

🇲🇽 lamentable

Etymology

The word 'regrettable' originated from the verb 'regret,' which comes from the Old French word 'regreter,' meaning 'bewail the dead.' Over time, the meaning evolved to express a sense of sorrow or disappointment for something that has happened. The adjective 'regrettable' first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century.

See also: regret, regretful, regretfully, regrettably.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,098, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.