bitter regret

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter regret" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep sense of sorrow or remorse about a past action or decision. Example: "After realizing the consequences of his choices, he was filled with bitter regret for not listening to his friends' advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It eventually became public anyway, and Hamilton expressed bitter regret.

The New York Times

Reading were left to nurse bitter regret, and not only for their dreadful defending in the first half.

The Guardian - Sport

Cardinal Connell apologized in a statement, expressing "bitter regret that failures on my part contributed to the suffering of victims in any form".

The New York Times

To many, the office Christmas party is something to survive – an evening of uncomfortable social interactions, followed by a hangover and an overwhelming sense of bitter regret.

The Guardian

The court has heard that Ms. Pryce, 60, a mother of five, twice faced demands from her husband that she have an abortion, and that she acceded the first time, to her bitter regret.

The New York Times

About a decade and a half later, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 plunged Cuba's economy into crisis, sources of protein were so scarce that Carlito recalled those wasted eggs with bitter regret.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Bitter regrets after a tumultuous night.

The New York Times - Sports

The Narciso Rodriguez That Got Away stands out as one of the more bitter regrets of my sartorial life, but such is the price of survival.

The New York Times

Arsène Wenger was left with bitter regrets as Arsenal departed the Champions League, with the antics of Arjen Robben, refereeing decisions and a serious hamstring injury to Mesut Özil vying for prominence.

The Guardian - Sport

"I see too many people have bitter regrets because they stay on too long.

BBC

Pamela Dix, whose brother died in the disaster, wrote about her bitter regrets that she was not allowed to make an informed choice about whether to see his body despite the fact that she had been told that her brother was intact and fully recognisable.

British Medical Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bitter regret", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the regret to enhance the impact and avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the action or decision that led to the feeling.

Common error

While "bitter regret" is a powerful phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your language sound melodramatic. Opt for simpler expressions like "I wish I hadn't" or "I really messed up" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter regret" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "bitter" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "regret". It describes the quality or intensity of the regret. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter regret" is a phrase used to express a strong and painful sense of remorse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various platforms like News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where a significant level of disappointment or resentment is conveyed. Remember that there are milder alternatives, such as "deep remorse" or "profound regret", which can be used depending on the intended emotional intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep remorse

Emphasizes the feeling of guilt and responsibility for a wrongdoing, shifting the focus from the regret itself to the cause of it.

profound regret

Highlights the depth and intensity of the regret, making it a more formal and emphatic expression.

intense remorse

Similar to "deep remorse", it stresses the strength of the feeling of guilt and sorrow.

keen regret

Indicates a sharp and piercing feeling of regret, focusing on the immediate and painful aspect of the emotion.

poignant regret

Highlights the emotional and touching nature of the regret, often associated with loss or missed opportunities.

aching remorse

Suggests a prolonged and painful feeling of guilt that lingers over time.

deep sorrow

Focuses on the general feeling of sadness and unhappiness, which may or may not be directly tied to a specific action or event.

acute disappointment

Centers on the feeling of sadness caused by unfulfilled expectations or failure, rather than regret over a specific past action.

gnawing regret

Implies a persistent and troubling feeling of regret that constantly bothers the person.

crushing disappointment

Conveys a severe and overwhelming feeling of letdown and disillusionment.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter regret" in a sentence?

"Bitter regret" is used to express a strong feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that has happened. For example, "She felt a "bitter regret" for not pursuing her dreams".

What's a less intense alternative to "bitter regret"?

If "bitter regret" feels too strong, consider using phrases like "slight remorse", "minor disappointment", or "second thoughts" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "bitter regret" or "deep regret"?

Both "bitter regret" and "deep regret" are valid, but "bitter" implies a stronger sense of resentment or pain associated with the regret. "Deep" simply emphasizes the intensity of the sorrow.

What kind of situations usually lead to feelings of "bitter regret"?

Situations that involve significant personal failures, missed opportunities, or causing harm to others often lead to feelings of ""bitter regret"". These are typically events with lasting negative consequences.