utterly regrettable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly regrettable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express strong disapproval or disappointment regarding a situation or event. Example: "The decision to cancel the community event was utterly regrettable, as it deprived many of the opportunity to connect and celebrate together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The reason we had to buy Louise's book online was that, due to a pyrotechnic and utterly regrettable family schism before she became a star, we have had barely any contact with her since she was in her early 20s.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And that, absolutely, is regrettable.

Huffington Post

The decision was condemned by Ahmed Hussain Adam, a politician and scholar from Darfur, as "a very regrettable move and utterly unacceptable".

The Guardian

It is predictable and, while perhaps regrettable, it is to be expected in this utterly "free market" environment.

Huffington Post

There's been a regrettable tendency among liberals to write off Trump supporters as utterly irredeemable – bigots we can never hope to understand, much less change.

The Guardian - Books

Which was also regrettable.

Independent

COLONEL LANDA: Regrettable.

The New York Times

This was regrettable.

Independent

That is regrettable.

The Economist

This is regrettable.

The New York Times

That is still regrettable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly regrettable" to convey a strong sense of disappointment or disapproval, especially when emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly regrettable" in informal settings. Its formal tone may sound unnatural or overly dramatic in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly regrettable" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to express a strong feeling of disappointment or disapproval. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is suitable for emphasizing the severity of a situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly regrettable" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for expressing strong disappointment or disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it is primarily used in news, media, and formal business contexts to emphasize the severity of a situation. Alternatives include "deeply unfortunate" or "highly lamentable". Be mindful of its formal tone and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Regrettable without a doubt

Affirms that it is regrettable, leaving no room for doubt.

Deeply unfortunate

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation, focusing on its negative consequences.

Truly unfortunate

Emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the situation with sincerity.

Extremely disappointing

Highlights the feeling of disappointment caused by the situation.

Highly lamentable

Uses a more formal and somber tone to express regret.

Gravely regrettable

Indicates a serious degree of regret, suggesting significant consequences.

A matter of deep regret

Formal expression signifying profound disappointment.

Sincerely sorry

Expresses a feeling of remorse about the situation, shifting the focus to personal feelings.

Deplorable

Signifies strong disapproval or condemnation of something.

Unacceptable

Indicates that something cannot be tolerated or allowed.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly regrettable" to express strong disapproval or disappointment. For example, "The cancellation of the project was "utterly regrettable", given the time and resources invested."

What are some alternatives to "utterly regrettable"?

Alternatives include "deeply unfortunate", "extremely disappointing", or "highly lamentable", depending on the level of formality and intensity you wish to convey.

Is "utterly regrettable" a formal expression?

Yes, "utterly regrettable" is considered a formal expression. It is best suited for professional, academic, or official contexts where a strong sense of disapproval or disappointment needs to be conveyed with appropriate seriousness.

What is the difference between "regrettable" and "utterly regrettable"?

"Regrettable" indicates simple regret or disappointment. "Utterly regrettable" intensifies the feeling, suggesting a situation is completely or exceptionally disappointing and unfortunate.