regrettable incident

USAGE SUMMARY

"regrettable incident" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an unfortunate event that has already happened and has caused regret, sadness, or embarrassment. For example, "The organization was deeply saddened by the recent regrettable incident involving two of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"This was a regrettable incident.

Independent

The snowstorm was a regrettable incident.

The New York Times

That was an awful and regrettable incident.

The Guardian

"This was a regrettable incident, but let's hope it's over".

The Guardian

"The whole thing is a regrettable incident, and I wish it hadn't happened," Mr. Augenbraum said.

The New York Times - Books

"This was a regrettable incident and any incident like this is one too many.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

I assumed that these regrettable incidents were not intentional, but they may have been part of a campaign.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Despite all the measures that we put in place to ensure the safety of the Afghan people, regrettable incidents such as this one can occur," he said.

The New York Times

Despite regrettable incidents of error and misjudgment, both the United States and Israel have acted as humanely as possible in an unimaginably challenging situation.

The New York Times

"I call on people to cooperate and respect drivers and government officials... to avoid any regrettable incidents," transportation secretary Miguel Torres said.

The Guardian

"We are forming a committee to investigate these regrettable incidents in order to ascertain their cause so as to avoid them in the future" is weaselly corporate-speak, but it is grammatically active.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "regrettable incident" to convey a sense of sorrow or disappointment, but avoid overusing it to downplay serious events. The tone should align with the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "regrettable incident" to sanitize or downplay severe wrongdoings. It is inappropriate for situations involving gross negligence, intentional harm, or criminal activity. Use more direct and descriptive language to reflect the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "regrettable incident" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "regrettable" modifies the noun "incident". According to Ludwig AI, it describes an unfortunate event that has already occurred and caused regret, sadness, or embarrassment. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in formal statements and news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "regrettable incident" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe an unfortunate event that causes sorrow or disappointment. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is often used in formal contexts, particularly in news and media, to acknowledge and address negative occurrences while maintaining a neutral to professional tone. Best practices include using the phrase when appropriate to the severity of the situation and providing clear context. Some alternatives include "unfortunate event" or "unhappy occurrence", offering slight variations in emphasis. It's crucial to avoid using "regrettable incident" as a euphemism to downplay severe wrongdoings. Top sources include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfortunate event

Focuses on the negative luck or circumstances surrounding the event, minimizing blame or responsibility.

unhappy occurrence

Highlights the negative emotional impact and the unwelcome nature of the event.

lamentable event

Emphasizes the sorrowful and mournful nature of the event.

deplorable occurrence

Stresses the reprehensible and unacceptable nature of the event.

tragic episode

Highlights the severe and sorrowful consequences of the event.

unfortunate situation

Shifts the focus to the broader context and the negative circumstances.

mishap

Downplays the seriousness, suggesting a minor and accidental event.

setback

Highlights the hindrance or delay caused by the event.

calamity

Emphasizes the disastrous and devastating nature of the event.

unpleasant matter

A more general and understated way of referring to a negative event.

FAQs

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

"Regrettable incident" is used to describe an unfortunate event. For example, "The company acknowledged the "regrettable incident" and promised a full investigation".

What's a less formal alternative to "regrettable incident"?

Less formal alternatives include "unfortunate event", "mishap", or "unpleasant situation". The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of seriousness.

Is "regrettable incident" appropriate for describing a major tragedy?

While grammatically correct, "regrettable incident" may be insufficient for describing a major tragedy. Consider stronger terms like "tragedy", "disaster", or "catastrophe" to convey the appropriate gravity.

What is the difference between "regrettable incident" and "unfortunate event"?

"Regrettable incident" implies a sense of sorrow or disappointment, while "unfortunate event" simply denotes bad luck or negative circumstances. The former suggests more emotional involvement or responsibility.