regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unfortunate or deserving of regret. Example: "The decision to cancel the event was regrettable, as many people were looking forward to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is regrettable when homes need to be demolished, but Annington's decision to redevelop the estate will see an increase in the number of homes by more than 100%, from 142 to 288, and the inclusion of 20% affordable homes will see a minimum of 59 created where there were none before.

The Guardian

"It is regrettable that in the last few days both sides have taken steps that are not helpful and that's evident to everybody," he told reporters in Morocco.

The Guardian

The company said the work near King's Cross was part of a £200m Christmas investment programme and described the move to cancel all services as "regrettable and unfortunate".

The Guardian - Business

With the last British bank with ambitions to be a global investment bank stepping back, chancellor George Osborne told the BBC the job cuts were "regrettable".

The Guardian - Business

"This was a regrettable event that the city has taken complete responsibility for," mayor Steve Widmyer said in a statement.

The Guardian

Carne described the delays as regrettable and said: "I apologise sincerely to all those affected.

The Guardian - Business

In hindsight the view is that certain things that should have been done were not done, and that is regrettable".

The Guardian

It said that while its directors, of whom Burnside was one, were not party to any concerted campaign it accepted that other employees of the company were responsible for "regrettable incidents".

The Guardian

It is regrettable that Maupassant should be known less for indelible moments like this, and more for the twist or "trick" ending of "The Necklace" (1884), the final line of which arrives with the boom-tish of a club comedian's punchline.

The Guardian - Books

The BFI has meanwhile written: "Please note: Wild Tales is a work of fiction, and any similarities with real events is an unintentional and regrettable coincidence".

The Guardian - Film

It is deeply regrettable and hugely saddening for all the employees and supporters that the club finds itself in its present situation".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettable" when you want to express that a situation or event is unfortunate and causes a feeling of regret. It's suitable for formal contexts and conveys a sense of disappointment.

Common error

While "regrettable" is appropriate for formal writing, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unfortunate" or "too bad" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

Regrettable primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe events, actions, or situations that are unfortunate or cause feelings of regret. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, supporting this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

14%

Opinion

9%

Less common in

Books

3%

Sport

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettable" functions as an adjective to describe something unfortunate or deserving of regret. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and formal business contexts. While "regrettable" is a versatile term, remember to consider simpler alternatives like "unfortunate" in informal settings. It's important to note that sources emphasize its role in softening negative news and conveying disappointment with appropriate formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate

Indicates a sense of bad luck or adversity, similar to regrettable but often milder.

lamentable

Emphasizes sorrow or grief, making it suitable for more serious situations than 'regrettable'.

deplorable

Signifies strong disapproval or condemnation, suggesting something far worse than simply regrettable.

disappointing

Focuses on the failure to meet expectations, while "regrettable" can cover a broader range of negative outcomes.

too bad

A more casual expression of disappointment, less formal than "regrettable".

it's a pity

Indicates a feeling of sorrow or compassion, often used when something is disappointing.

it's a shame

Similar to "it's a pity", expressing disappointment and sadness.

sadly

Expresses sorrow or unhappiness about a situation; "regrettable" often describes the situation itself.

unwelcome

Describes something unwanted or undesirable, closely related to the sense of "regrettable".

undesirable

Expresses the state of something not wanted, just as regrettable describes events.

FAQs

How can I use "regrettable" in a sentence?

You can use "regrettable" to describe an event, action, or state that causes regret. For example, "It is "regrettable that" the meeting was canceled at the last minute".

What can I say instead of "regrettable"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate", "lamentable", or "deplorable" depending on the degree of negativity you want to convey.

Is "regrettable" a formal word?

Yes, "regrettable" is considered a formal word. In informal contexts, you might prefer using alternatives like "unfortunate" or "too bad".

What is the difference between "regretful" and "regrettable"?

"Regretful" describes a person who feels regret, while "regrettable" describes something that causes regret. For example, you might be "regretful" about a "regrettable" decision.