regrettably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "regrettably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express sorrow or disappointment about a situation or outcome. Example: "Regrettably, we were unable to meet the deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From endless parties and family gatherings you feel obligated to attend, to the rich foods you regrettably indulge in, and the expensive presents you feel compelled to purchase but can't afford, it's a time of year engineered for consumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regrettably, Microsoft did not release SP1 for testing by external users, which means it is completely untested in the real world (ie anywhere outside the Redmond campus).

The Guardian - Tech

Pfahler will be coming to London to perform for Meltdown, though regrettably not with her painted fellow travellers.

The Guardian - Music

Regrettably, some domestic media get trapped in such webs".

The Guardian

Regrettably, when the film does delve into Travers's background, it takes the form of flashbacks to her childhood in Australia.

The Guardian - Film

Regrettably, the show-off camera angles, glitzy costumes and pop soundtrack can't hide the screenplay's weakness.

The Guardian - Film

But regrettably I have.

The Guardian - Opinion

Regrettably, this may be symbolic.

The Guardian - Film

If, regrettably, the UN's weapons inspectors cannot resume their work, forget about them and the blanket trade embargo; instead set up a new outfit to monitor all sites that have already been inspected and enforce an embargo only on weapons, on imports that could be used to make weapons, and on related financial transactions.This is not free from objections.

The Economist

As schools chancellor, Mr Crew answers to the BOE.Beyond that, there are some 32 school districts each of which has its own elected board a hint of direct accountability regrettably limited by the fact that turnout for elections rarely reaches even 10% of voters.

The Economist

How could scribblers possibly depict politicians as crooked, or the Indian electorate as a stubborn elephant?In this section Ma's second stand Between Delhi and the deep blue sea Booting out big brother Badly drawn Trading strategies ReprintsIt all fits a regrettably mirthless trend.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "regrettably", ensure it accurately reflects genuine regret or disappointment about the situation you're describing. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "regrettably" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "unfortunately" or "sadly" often sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "regrettably" is to act as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb to express the speaker's regret or disappointment. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage reflects a specific sentiment towards the statement it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "regrettably" is an adverb used to express sorrow or disappointment, as validated by Ludwig AI. It appears frequently in news and formal writing, indicating a neutral to formal register. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's best to reserve "regrettably" for contexts where a degree of formality is appropriate. Alternatives like "unfortunately" or "alas" may be more suitable for informal situations. Remember to consider the tone and audience when choosing the most fitting expression of regret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regretfully

Directly expresses the feeling of regret, closely mirroring the meaning of "regrettably".

unfortunately

A straightforward synonym indicating an undesirable or unlucky situation.

sadly

Indicates a cause for sorrow or unhappiness, less formal than "regrettably".

alas

An expression of grief or regret, often used in more literary or dramatic contexts.

it is regrettable

A more verbose phrase emphasizing the regrettable nature of a situation.

to my regret

Emphasizes personal regret, shifting focus to the speaker's feelings.

I am sorry to say

A phrase used to introduce unwelcome news, indicating politeness and formality.

it's a pity

Expresses disappointment or sadness about something, often in a mild or understated way.

I ruefully admit

Implies a reluctant admission of something regrettable, adding a layer of self-reproach.

with disappointment

Directly states the feeling of disappointment accompanying the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "regrettably" in a sentence?

"Regrettably" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to express sorrow or disappointment about something. For example, "Regrettably, the event was canceled due to weather."

What can I say instead of "regrettably"?

You can use alternatives like "unfortunately", "alas", or "regretfully" depending on the context.

Is "regrettably" more formal than "unfortunately"?

Yes, "regrettably" generally carries a more formal tone than "unfortunately". Choose the word that best fits the overall tone of your writing.

When is it appropriate to use "regrettably" in writing?

"Regrettably" is appropriate in situations where you want to express a sense of sadness or disappointment in a formal or semi-formal context, such as in business correspondence or news reports.