the regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something unfortunate or undesirable, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The regrettable decision to cancel the event left many attendees disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Judge Robin Johnson criticised the "regrettable" intervention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A stroll helps to burn off the regrettable calories.

The Guardian - Travel

The regrettable truth is that Baby's a dull boy.

The New Yorker

But it has the regrettable drawback of being staggeringly tedious.

The Guardian - Film

That may be the regrettable result of quiet competence not being highly valued at Westminster.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the Muslims crucify infidels, this is one of the "regrettable aspects of nation-building".

The New Yorker

The attitude behind this last sentence seems to me the regrettable part of Orwell's legacy.

The New Yorker

The regrettable truth is that the government's rhetoric needs a rethink.

The Guardian - Opinion

We did, however, make the regrettable decision to urinate in the grass behind the building.

The Guardian - Sport

The regrettable legacy was a tacit downgrading of the gravity of passing information for reward.

The Guardian - Sport

"But at this stage of his life, he has the regrettable shortcoming of acting his age".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the regrettable" when you want to express a sense of disappointment or disapproval about a specific situation or event. It often implies that the situation could have been avoided or that it has negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "the regrettable" in very informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "unfortunate" or "too bad" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the regrettable" functions as a determiner followed by an adjective modifying an implied noun. It is used to qualify something as causing regret or disappointment, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the regrettable" is a phrase used to express disappointment or disapproval about a situation, event, or decision. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, though it can also appear in more formal contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. When aiming to use the term effectively, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, and adjust your language accordingly. Alternatives such as "the unfortunate" or "the lamentable" might be more appropriate depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the unfortunate

Focuses on the element of bad luck or adverse circumstances.

the lamentable

Emphasizes the sorrowful or mournful aspect of the situation.

the disappointing

Highlights the failure to meet expectations.

the sad

Indicates a cause for unhappiness or sorrow.

the sorry

Suggests a feeling of pity or regret.

the undesirable

Emphasizes the unwanted or unwelcome nature of the event.

the appalling

Highlights the shocking or dreadful quality of the situation.

the disgraceful

Indicates that the action or situation brings dishonor or shame.

the distressing

Focuses on the cause of anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

the reprehensible

Emphasizes the blameworthy or deserving of censure nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "the regrettable" to describe an event, decision, or situation that causes disappointment or regret. For instance, "The "regrettable" decision led to further complications."

What are some alternatives to using "the regrettable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "the unfortunate", "the lamentable", or "the disappointing".

When is it appropriate to use "the regrettable"?

It's appropriate to use "the regrettable" in formal writing or speech when you want to convey a sense of disappointment or disapproval about something that has happened. It's suitable for news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "the regrettable" and "the unfortunate"?

While both terms express a negative outcome, "the regrettable" implies a sense of disappointment or disapproval, whereas "the unfortunate" primarily highlights bad luck or adverse circumstances.