a regrettable decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regrettable decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing disappointment or sorrow about a choice that was made, often implying that it had negative consequences. Example: "After much consideration, I realized that accepting the job offer was a regrettable decision, as it led to unforeseen complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Clearly, this is a regrettable decision that I have to make".

The New York Times - Sports

In a regrettable decision last year, the Supreme Court granted the Scouts an exemption from anti-gay discrimination laws.

The New York Times

The ruling is particularly welcome because it follows a regrettable decision two years ago by New York's highest court.

The New York Times

The decision on Monday by the Court of Final Appeal, Mr. Daly said, "is a regrettable decision; it basically entrenches their being second-class citizens".

The New York Times

In retrospect, that proved a regrettable decision for Bay Staters: the firm in question, Apple, is now the single most valuable public company in the world.

The Economist

Nigeria's current president, Goodluck Jonathan, called Achebe's refusal of this year's award "a regrettable decision which may have been borne out of misinformation as to the true state of affairs in Nigeria".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"The failure to elect Marvin Miller is an unfortunate and regrettable decision," Fehr said.

The New York Times

The Supreme Court dispensed with your Fourth Amendment right to privacy in this area long ago in an obscure and regrettable decision, Smith v. Maryland (1979).

Huffington Post

It's Sunday afternoon at the tail-end of Halloween weekend, a lengthy sprawl of nonstop partying, sugar intake, other-things intake, and probably even a few regrettable decisions.

Vice

In retrospect, it's clear that most of her songs were really about smartphones all along, If I Ain't Got You was about the time she lost her BlackBerry and had to temporarily make do with a substandard Nokia, for example, and Girl On Fire was about the time she made the regrettable decision to buy a Kindle tablet instead of a BlackBerry Playbook.

The Guardian - Tech

It is a regrettable aesthetic decision and turns Mr Miller's rather subtle and persuasive argument into something akin to propaganda.In this section The significations of his words World without end Looking ahead Infinite struggle Same as it ever was ReprintsSuch propaganda is not only distasteful, it is also unnecessary.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a regrettable decision", follow it with a clear explanation of why the decision is considered regrettable. This provides context and strengthens your point.

Common error

While "a regrettable decision" is grammatically correct, it may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a bad choice" or "a mistake" for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

Function: The phrase "a regrettable decision" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies and characterizes a specific decision as one that is viewed with regret. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to express disappointment about a choice that was made.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a regrettable decision" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disappointment or sorrow about a past choice that led to negative consequences. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, reflecting its use in discussing events and outcomes that are viewed negatively. While it is suitable for neutral to formal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred in casual conversations. When using the phrase, providing clear context for why the decision is regrettable enhances its impact. Related phrases such as "an unfortunate choice" or "a poor judgment" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a poor choice

A more general and straightforward way to express disapproval.

an unfortunate choice

Focuses on the unlucky aspect of the decision.

an ill-advised action

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom in the action taken.

a mistaken judgment

Highlights the error in the evaluation process.

an unwise move

Suggests the action was not strategic or sensible.

a lamentable error

Indicates deep regret and sorrow over the mistake.

an unfortunate error

Combines the elements of bad luck and mistake.

an improvident step

Stresses the lack of foresight in the action.

a deplorable action

Highlights the blameworthy and disgraceful quality of the action.

an undesirable outcome

Concentrates on the negative result of the decision.

FAQs

How can I use "a regrettable decision" in a sentence?

You can use "a regrettable decision" to express disappointment or sorrow about a past choice that had negative consequences. For example: "Hiring that candidate turned out to be "a regrettable decision"."

What are some alternatives to "a regrettable decision"?

Alternatives include "an unfortunate choice", "a poor judgment", or "a mistaken judgment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a regrettable decision" formal or informal?

"A regrettable decision" is generally considered neutral to formal. In very informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "a bad call" or "a poor choice" might be more appropriate.

What makes a decision "regrettable"?

A decision is "regrettable" when, in hindsight, it is clear that it led to undesirable outcomes or negative consequences that could have been avoided.