regrettable event

USAGE SUMMARY

"regrettable event" is a correct phrase that is often used in written English.
For example, "The mayor expressed sadness at the regrettable event that had occurred in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

In the "regrettable event" that any major publisher refused to join such a scheme, he suggests that one option would be for Ofcom, the broadcasting regulator, to act as a backstop regulator, though he does not recommend this.

BBC

"We need to use this regrettable event as a defining moment and pivot off it to craft friendly policies," Milton said in a note to employees.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

These are highly regrettable events, and the Venezuelan government has responded by arresting those suspected.

The New York Times

It was one in a series of regrettable events and choices that brought out the relentless self-questioner in him.

The New York Times - Arts

She listed a pattern of regrettable events last school year, including the Web site fiasco, an insulting caption in the yearbook and catcalls during a female student's election speech.

The New York Times

Nobody is filmed in a studio, musing maturely on wild or regrettable events; what compels Kapadia are reports from the front line — Winehouse in full blaze at a jazz club, swooping into a volley of scat, or, at the butt end of her career, sitting down onstage in Belgrade, soused and spent, not caring to perform, in front of fifty thousand fans.

The New Yorker

No doubt you realize through your following up of the course of the regrettable events at the level of the Arab Gulf region during the last few days, the gravity of the situation facing the Arab nation in the shadow of the current circumstances.

The New York Times

Painful and regrettable events have been taking place since the dawn of last Thursday, corresponding to 2d August 1990, in a way that took the whole world by surprise, when the Iraqi forces stormed the brotherly state of Kuwait in the most vile aggression known to the Arab nation in its modern history which made the brotherly people of Kuwait homeless and caused them great suffering.

The New York Times

A spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry said France extended its condolences for the "tragic and regrettable events that led to the death of at least 26 Pakistani soldiers" and called for co-operation with the Pakistani government in addition to lending support for an inquiry into the facts behind the incident.

Wikipedia

These regrettable events illustrate why this is so.

EU Parlament

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "regrettable event", ensure the context clearly establishes what specific incident is being referred to. Vague references can diminish the impact.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, avoid relying solely on "regrettable event" in highly formal or critical communications. Vary your language with more specific and impactful terms when necessary. Use synonyms such as "unfortunate incident" or "lamentable situation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettable event" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "regrettable" modifies the noun "event". It is commonly used to describe occurrences that are unfortunate, undesirable, or cause sorrow. Ludwig examples show its usage in news and official statements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettable event" is a phrase used to describe an occurrence that is unfortunate or undesirable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase has a neutral register and finds application across diverse contexts, including news reports, academic discussions, and official statements. While "regrettable event" is suitable in various situations, consider alternatives like "unfortunate incident" or "lamentable situation" to add nuance and precision to your writing. Ensure clarity by specifying the event and avoiding overuse in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate incident

Focuses on the accidental and unwanted nature of the occurrence.

lamentable situation

Emphasizes the sorrowful or deplorable aspects of the circumstances.

unhappy affair

Highlights the unpleasant or distressing nature of the event.

deplorable episode

Stresses the reprehensible or shameful character of the event.

unfortunate development

Focuses on the negative progression or outcome of the situation.

distressing occurrence

Emphasizes the emotional impact and worry caused by the event.

disappointing turn of events

Highlights the failure to meet expectations or achieve a desired outcome.

unwelcome incident

Focuses on the fact that the event was not wanted or appreciated.

sad occasion

Emphasizes the sorrow and grief associated with the event.

tragic happening

Highlights the severe suffering, death, or misfortune involved.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The mayor acknowledged the "regrettable event" and promised a thorough investigation" or "The company considers the data breach a "regrettable event" and is taking steps to prevent future incidents".

What are some synonyms for "regrettable event"?

Alternatives include "unfortunate incident", "lamentable situation", or "unhappy affair", each carrying slightly different connotations of sorrow or disapproval.

Is "regrettable event" formal or informal?

"Regrettable event" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for news reports, official statements, and academic writing. More informal contexts might benefit from simpler language.

What makes an event "regrettable"?

An event is "regrettable" when it causes sorrow, disappointment, or disapproval. It implies a wish that the event had not occurred or had unfolded differently.