# regrettably

/ɹɪˈɡɹɛtəbɫi/ (US) · /ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/regrettably
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.