Word
regrettably
Phoneticsre·gret·tably
US/ɹɪˈɡɹɛtəbɫi/
UK/ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli/
Definition
adv. in a way that makes you feel sorry or unhappy. You use this when you have to say something bad or when you are apologizing.
adv. in a manner that causes or expresses regret. Often used to introduce negative news or to soften the impact of an apology.
Examples
“Regrettably, we cannot accept your application this year.”
“The manager regrettably informed the team that the project would be cancelled due to a lack of funding.”
“Although the results were disappointing, the researchers regrettably concluded that the current data did not support their initial hypothesis regarding the new treatment's efficacy.”
Examples
simple
“Regrettably, we cannot accept your application this year.”
contextual
“The manager regrettably informed the team that the project would be cancelled due to a lack of funding.”
complex
“Although the results were disappointing, the researchers regrettably concluded that the current data did not support their initial hypothesis regarding the new treatment's efficacy.”
Real-World Examples
“Regrettably, but not unexpectedly, the widespread ability to gamble is also causing major scandals.” “Jokes, a reliably dark pleasure in Cusk’s work, are in regrettably short supply.” Etymology
From regrettable + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/regrettably