utmost regret

USAGE SUMMARY

"utmost regret" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express a deep level of sorrow or despair. For example, "I have the utmost regret in informing you that your application has been denied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"With the utmost regret, I'm pulling out of a festival because of the terms of their contract," Harris tweeted.

The Guardian - Books

Its statement on Wednesday expressed "utmost regret" for actions that "fell well short of the standards to which Barclays aspires in the conduct of its business".

The Guardian - Business

I have therefore decided, with the utmost regret, that I must tender my resignation to the Queen, which her majesty has been graciously pleased to accept".

The Guardian

As Nobel laureate Jagdish Bhagwati puts it, "President Obama's missing eloquence on [market] openness to date is a matter of the utmost regret.

Forbes

I say that with the utmost regret, but it is true.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"We tried our utmost but regret the result turned out very bad," Kang told reporters at the court.

Huffington Post

Customer satisfaction and service are of the utmost importance, and we regret any inconveniences incurred by this user.

TechCrunch

Late on Friday U.N special envoy to Yemen Jamal Benomar, who held meetings with Houthi Leader Abdulmalek al-Houthi in Saada province on Wednesday and Thursday: "expressed deep regrets regarding this development, including the use of violence, while utmost efforts were underway in order to reach a peaceful solution to the crisis".

Independent

Fifa expressed "utmost sympathy".

The Guardian - Sport

Of utmost importance was fire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Harrist was doing his utmost.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utmost regret" when conveying a formal and sincere sense of disappointment or sorrow, particularly in official communications or when addressing sensitive situations.

Common error

Avoid using "utmost regret" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant a strong expression of sorrow, and use synonyms or less intense phrases for more minor disappointments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utmost regret" functions as an expression of deep sorrow or disappointment. It is often used in formal contexts to convey a strong sense of remorse or regret, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utmost regret" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express deep sorrow or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for formal contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While effective for conveying sincerity, it should be used judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Related phrases, such as "deepest regret" or "sincere remorse", offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments. Remember to reserve "utmost regret" for situations where a strong expression of sorrow is truly warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deepest regret

Emphasizes the depth of the regret felt.

profound regret

Highlights the intensity and significance of the regret.

extreme regret

Indicates a very high degree of regret.

sincere remorse

Focuses on the genuine feeling of guilt and sorrow.

deep sorrow

Shifts the focus to the feeling of sadness caused by a particular event.

heartfelt apology

Combines a feeling of regret with the act of apologizing.

great disappointment

Focuses on the feeling of being let down.

keen disappointment

Highlights a strong feeling of being unsatisfied or unfulfilled.

deep consternation

Highlights the deep anxiety and distress regarding something unexpected or distressing.

bitter regret

Implies a regret mixed with resentment or pain.

FAQs

How can I use "utmost regret" in a sentence?

You can use "utmost regret" to express deep sorrow or disappointment, such as in the sentence, "It is with the "utmost regret" that I must inform you of the company's decision."

What's a less formal alternative to "utmost regret"?

Alternatives to "utmost regret" include phrases like "deeply sorry", "very disappointed", or "sincerely regret", which are suitable for less formal contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "utmost regret" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "utmost regret" is quite formal and might sound overly dramatic in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler expressions of regret instead.

Are there situations where using "utmost regret" would be inappropriate?

Using "utmost regret" may be inappropriate in trivial situations or when sarcasm is intended. It's best reserved for expressing genuine and significant sorrow or disappointment.