is regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express disappointment or sorrow about a situation or event. Example: "The decision to cancel the event is regrettable, as many were looking forward to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is regrettable.

The Economist

This is regrettable.

The New York Times

Such a delay is regrettable".

The New York Times

That is regrettable and dangerous.

The New York Times

The decision is regrettable.

The New York Times

But it is regrettable.

The Guardian - Music

This is regrettable but true.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is regrettable," he said.

The New York Times

"That is regrettable," he said.

The Washington Post

This is regrettable and unfortunate.

The New Yorker

Yesterday is regrettable, tomorrow still hypothetical.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is regrettable" to express disappointment or a sense of loss when discussing decisions, events, or outcomes. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being regretted to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is regrettable" in situations that require stronger condemnation or moral judgment. While it conveys disappointment, it may not adequately express the severity of a truly harmful or unethical action. Consider using terms like "is reprehensible" or "is unacceptable" for more serious matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is regrettable" functions as a subject complement, linking the subject to an adjective that describes a quality or state of being. According to Ludwig, it expresses disappointment or a sense of misfortune regarding a particular situation or event. This is evident in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is regrettable" is a versatile phrase used to express disappointment or sorrow about an event, situation, or decision. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and scientific publications. While it is generally appropriate for expressing mild regret, it should be avoided in situations that demand stronger condemnation. Consider alternatives like "is unfortunate" or "is disappointing" for similar contexts and "is reprehensible" for expressing stronger disapproval. The frequency and broad usage of "is regrettable" confirm its place as a useful expression in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unfortunate

This alternative is a direct synonym, expressing a similar level of disappointment but with a slightly less formal tone.

is a pity

This alternative expresses a milder form of regret, often used in more casual contexts.

is a shame

Similar to "is a pity", this phrase conveys a sense of disappointment over something that is undesirable.

is disappointing

This alternative focuses on the feeling of letdown caused by the situation.

is undesirable

This phrase emphasizes the unwelcomeness of the situation rather than the emotional response to it.

is lamentable

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the sorrowful aspect of the situation.

is deplorable

This option expresses a stronger sense of disapproval and condemnation in addition to regret.

is a matter for regret

This alternative is more verbose and emphasizes the act of feeling regret.

is a cause for sorrow

This phrase highlights the sadness associated with the situation.

is something to be sorry about

This version is more conversational and directly expresses the reason for feeling sorry.

FAQs

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

You can use "is regrettable" to express disappointment about an event or decision. For example, "It "is regrettable" that the meeting was canceled".

What can I say instead of "is regrettable"?

You can use alternatives like "is unfortunate", "is a pity", or "is disappointing" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is regrettable"?

"Is regrettable" is suitable when you want to express a mild sense of disappointment or sorrow without strong condemnation. It's often used for situations that are less than ideal but not morally wrong.

What's the difference between "is regrettable" and "is reprehensible"?

"Is regrettable" expresses disappointment or sorrow, while "is reprehensible" indicates strong disapproval and moral condemnation. Use "is reprehensible" for actions that are morally wrong or highly objectionable.