Regrettably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Regrettably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express sorrow or disappointment about a situation or outcome. Example: "Regrettably, we will have to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From endless parties and family gatherings you feel obligated to attend, to the rich foods you regrettably indulge in, and the expensive presents you feel compelled to purchase but can't afford, it's a time of year engineered for consumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regrettably, Microsoft did not release SP1 for testing by external users, which means it is completely untested in the real world (ie anywhere outside the Redmond campus).

The Guardian - Tech

Pfahler will be coming to London to perform for Meltdown, though regrettably not with her painted fellow travellers.

The Guardian - Music

Regrettably, some domestic media get trapped in such webs".

The Guardian

Regrettably, when the film does delve into Travers's background, it takes the form of flashbacks to her childhood in Australia.

The Guardian - Film

Regrettably, the show-off camera angles, glitzy costumes and pop soundtrack can't hide the screenplay's weakness.

The Guardian - Film

But regrettably I have.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regrettably, this may be symbolic.

The Guardian - Film

If, regrettably, the UN's weapons inspectors cannot resume their work, forget about them and the blanket trade embargo; instead set up a new outfit to monitor all sites that have already been inspected and enforce an embargo only on weapons, on imports that could be used to make weapons, and on related financial transactions.This is not free from objections.

The Economist

As schools chancellor, Mr Crew answers to the BOE.Beyond that, there are some 32 school districts each of which has its own elected board a hint of direct accountability regrettably limited by the fact that turnout for elections rarely reaches even 10% of voters.

The Economist

How could scribblers possibly depict politicians as crooked, or the Indian electorate as a stubborn elephant?In this section Ma's second stand Between Delhi and the deep blue sea Booting out big brother Badly drawn Trading strategies ReprintsIt all fits a regrettably mirthless trend.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettably" to add a tone of sincerity and formality when expressing disappointment or regret in professional or academic writing. Ensure the context is appropriate, as overuse can make your writing sound overly somber.

Common error

Avoid using "regrettably" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unfortunately" or "sadly" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

Regrettably functions primarily as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to express that an action or situation is unfortunate or causes regret. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys sorrow about a situation or outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettably" is a versatile adverb used to express disappointment or regret across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news, formal business, and scientific sources. While generally interchangeable with alternatives like "unfortunately" and "sadly", it carries a slightly more formal tone. Therefore, writers should carefully consider the intended audience and context to ensure appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regretfully

A more formal synonym emphasizing the feeling of regret.

Unfortunately

Indicates a less formal expression of disappointment.

It's unfortunate that

Acknowledges the unfortunate nature of a situation.

Sadly

Expresses sorrow or grief about a situation.

I am afraid that

A softer way to deliver unwelcome news or information.

Alas

A more literary and somewhat archaic expression of sorrow.

I am sorry to say

A more direct and personal way to introduce bad news.

It is a matter of regret

Emphasizes the speaker's regret about something.

To my disappointment

Highlights the personal disappointment experienced.

Much to my dismay

Indicates a strong feeling of distress or consternation.

FAQs

How can I use "regrettably" in a sentence?

"Regrettably" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to express sorrow or disappointment. For example, "Regrettably, we must inform you that your application has been denied."

What are some alternatives to "regrettably"?

You can use alternatives like "unfortunately", "sadly", or "regretfully" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I regrettably have to inform you"?

While grammatically acceptable, it's more common and stylistically preferred to place "regrettably" at the beginning of the sentence: "Regrettably, I have to inform you..." This placement emphasizes the feeling of regret.

What is the difference between "regrettably" and "regretfully"?

Both "regrettably" and "regretfully" express a sense of regret, but "regrettably" often focuses more on the unfortunate nature of the situation, while "regretfully" emphasizes the feeling of regret experienced by the speaker. They are largely interchangeable.