it was regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express disappointment or sorrow about a past event or situation. Example: "It was regrettable that we could not attend the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its inaction yesterday was no surprise, but it was regrettable.

The New York Times

It was "regrettable" 11 times.

The Guardian - Opinion

On Sunday, Hewitt said it was "regrettable".

The Guardian

It was regrettable but it happened..

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Hogan's lawyer, Robert Galantucci, said it was regrettable.

The New York Times

The South Korean Foreign Ministry said it was "regrettable".

The New York Times

"It was regrettable, but we are going to move forward".

The New York Times

He said it was "regrettable" that the offer had been declined.

The Guardian

A Miramax spokeswoman said, "It was regrettable behavior on both their parts".

The New York Times

But the ISI said it was regrettable that some sections of the media had leveled such allegations against the agency.

The New York Times

It was regrettable that Pacific Northwest squandered three performances of their short, prestigious New York visit with this trivial "Roméo".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was regrettable" to express disappointment or mild sorrow about a past event, especially when acknowledging an undesirable outcome without assigning heavy blame.

Common error

Avoid overuse, as it can sound repetitive or insincere. Vary your language with synonyms like "unfortunate" or "disappointing" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was regrettable" functions as an expressive statement, conveying disappointment or a sense of wishing a past event had turned out differently. Ludwig AI examples show its frequent use in news and media to report on unfortunate situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was regrettable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey disappointment or sorrow about a past event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "unfortunate" or "disappointing" can enhance your writing. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for professional and news-related communication, as well as for many other scenarios where there is need to acknowledge something negative that took place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unfortunate

This option provides a slightly weaker expression of disappointment, focusing on the bad luck aspect.

it's a pity

This is a more informal way to express regret, often used in casual conversation.

it's a shame

Similar to "it's a pity", but can also imply a sense of moral wrongness or lost opportunity.

it is a matter of regret

This phrase emphasizes the ongoing feeling of regret rather than a past event.

i wish it hadn't happened

This expresses a personal desire for the event not to have occurred, highlighting the speaker's feelings.

i am sorry that happened

This is a direct expression of sorrow for an event, often used to offer condolences.

it was a mistake

This alternative focuses on the error or misjudgment that led to the regrettable situation.

it is a cause for sorrow

This is a more formal and somber way to express regret, suitable for serious occasions.

one can only lament

This phrase implies a sense of helplessness and deep sorrow over an unfortunate event.

it is deplorable

This expresses strong disapproval and condemnation of the situation, suggesting it is morally wrong and unacceptable.

FAQs

What does "it was regrettable" mean?

The phrase "it was regrettable" expresses disappointment or sorrow about something that happened in the past. It suggests that the speaker wishes the event had not occurred or that the outcome had been different.

How can I use "it was regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use "it was regrettable" to acknowledge an unfortunate event or decision. For example: "It was regrettable that the meeting was cancelled" or "It was regrettable that we couldn't reach an agreement".

What can I say instead of "it was regrettable"?

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

Is "it is regrettable" the same as "it was regrettable"?

"It is regrettable" refers to something that is currently causing regret, while "it was regrettable" refers to something in the past. The choice depends on whether the regret is ongoing or related to a completed event.