ENGLISH
REFERENCE

apologies

n. · interj.
US //əˈpɑɫəˌdʒiz// UK //ɐpˈɒlədʒɪz// apolo·gies
  1. 1 expressions of regret (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    more than one statement saying you are sorry for something you did wrong.

    the plural form of apology, denoting multiple expressions of regret or remorse for a fault, failure, or insult.

    Example

    He offered his sincere apologies for being late to the dinner party.

    Example

    The company issued formal apologies to all customers affected by the data breach, promising a full investigation into the security failure.
  2. 2 absence from a meeting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Formal

    a list of people who cannot attend a meeting.

    a formal notification of inability to attend a meeting, often recorded as a specific agenda item.

    Example

    The secretary read out the apologies from members who were away on business.

    Example

    The chair accepted apologies from the treasurer and the legal counsel before proceeding to the first item on the agenda.

    Usage

    Usually plural; often appears in the phrase 'to send apologies'.
  3. 3 saying sorry (interj.)
    B1 Intermediate Formal

    a polite way to say 'I am sorry' when you make a small mistake.

    an elliptical form of 'my apologies', used as a polite formula for acknowledging a minor social error or inconvenience.

    Example

    Apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation.

    Example

    Apologies for the delay in responding to your email; I have been out of the office for several days.

Last updated June 20, 2026