a regrettable mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regrettable mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an error or oversight that is unfortunate and could have been avoided. Example: "After reviewing the report, I realized that I had made a regrettable mistake in the calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That was a regrettable mistake, but hardly tells the story.

The New York Times

Pugh called the deals with UMMS a "regrettable mistake" at a news conference last week.

The Washington Post

The school authorities in Sayreville, N.J., may have made a regrettable mistake.

The New York Times

"This is a regrettable mistake made in connection with lawful hunting on the outside of the park," he said.

Independent

That Roger doesn't seem to remember her doesn't surprise Jen much: she's used to being a regrettable mistake.

The Guardian - Books

They wish to draw the public's attention to the importance of such matters, but in doing so they make a regrettable mistake by potentially increasing the incidence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It appears this was a regrettable error".

The Guardian - Sport

more, is marred by a regrettable error in calculation.

Princeton University

The Yahoo! case is a regrettable error which was the result of processing specific to Yahoo!

TechCrunch

It was, he has since said, a clumsy and regrettable mistake.

The New York Times

A popular politician caught in a sex scandal, a petty crook who makes the regrettable mistake of stealing a crime boss's car, two police officers tempted by a stash of drug money, and the strange young man who watched over Brendan's grandson during the robbery all play their fated roles in this thoughtful look at how good people can go bad.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up acknowledging "a regrettable mistake" with an action plan to prevent recurrence

Common error

Avoid using "a regrettable mistake" as a mere platitude. If you use this phrase, demonstrate genuine remorse, and explain the steps you are taking to prevent similar errors in the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regrettable mistake" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or subject complement in a sentence. It serves to identify and categorize a specific error as something unfortunate and worthy of regret. Ludwig confirms this is a correct use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a regrettable mistake" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to acknowledge an error with an expression of sorrow. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, but appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. To avoid misuse, remember to follow up with accountability and a commitment to preventing future errors. Consider using alternatives like "an unfortunate error" or "a lapse in judgment" to add nuance or variety to your writing. Avoid making it just a platitude by owning the mistake and making sure it doesn't happen again.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfortunate error

Emphasizes the negative consequences or bad luck associated with the error.

an oversight

Focuses on the unintentional aspect of the mistake, suggesting it was due to a lack of attention.

a lapse in judgment

Highlights the poor decision-making that led to the mistake.

an error in judgment

Similar to a lapse in judgment, but can also imply a miscalculation or misunderstanding.

an unintended consequence

Focuses on the unexpected negative outcome of an action, rather than the action itself.

a blunder

Implies a more significant and often embarrassing mistake.

a misstep

Suggests a slight error or deviation from the correct path.

a faux pas

Refers to a social blunder or a violation of etiquette.

a miscalculation

Highlights an error in planning or estimation.

an indiscretion

Implies a mistake that is unethical or inappropriate, often involving a breach of trust.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a regrettable mistake"?

You can use alternatives like "an unfortunate error", "an oversight", or "a lapse in judgment" depending on the context.

How to use "a regrettable mistake" in a sentence?

Use "a regrettable mistake" to acknowledge an error or oversight. For example: "The delay was due to a regrettable mistake in scheduling." or "Failing to quality check the submission was a regrettable mistake on our part."

What's the difference between "a regrettable mistake" and "an honest mistake"?

"A regrettable mistake" implies sorrow or disappointment that the mistake occurred, while "an honest mistake" suggests the error was unintentional and made in good faith. For example, it's more appropriate to say "a regrettable mistake" /s/if+i+could+take+it+back after a damaging PR blunder.

Is it appropriate to use "a regrettable mistake" in formal communication?

Yes, "a regrettable mistake" is suitable for formal communication, but ensure it's followed by an explanation and a commitment to rectify the situation. It acknowledges the error without being overly casual.