regrettably
gb/ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli/ us/ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
unfortunately; causing disappointment
Used to mean “unfortunately.”
Usage pattern:
Regrettably, [clause].
Common mistake:
Often sounds too formal in casual conversation; “unfortunately” is more neutral.
Synonyms
unfortunately (More neutral and common in everyday speech.)
|
sadly (Often adds a more emotional tone.)
Antonyms
fortunately (Introduces a positive or lucky outcome instead.)
|
happily (Suggests the speaker is pleased about the outcome.)
Collocations
regrettably, I
|regrettably, we
|regrettably, it
|regrettably, the
|regrettably late
|regrettably common
|regrettably true
|regrettably absent
|regrettably overlooked
|regrettably unable
Themes
emotions
|communication
|news
|writing
Examples
- Regrettably, we won’t be able to attend the wedding.
- The documents were, regrettably, lost during the move.
- Regrettably, the project has been delayed again.
Learner examples
- Regrettably, I can’t come today.
- Regrettably, the store is closed.
adverb
formal
C1
property
2
with regret; in a regretful way
In a way that shows you feel sorry about something.
Usage pattern:
[someone] spoke/wrote [regrettably] about [something].
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse with “regretfully”: both are close, but “regrettably” is more often used like “unfortunately.”
Synonyms
regretfully (More directly focused on the speaker’s feeling of regret.)
|
with regret (A common phrase alternative; often used in formal notices.)
Antonyms
proudly (Shows satisfaction rather than regret.)
Collocations
said regrettably
|added regrettably
|spoke regrettably
|wrote regrettably
|looked back regrettably
|regrettably admitted
Themes
emotions
|communication
Examples
- He spoke regrettably about how he treated his friends in college.
- She looked back regrettably on the decision to quit her job so quickly.
Learner examples
- He talked regrettably about the mistake.
Grammar
Dictionary form
regrettably
IPA
GB/ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli/
US/ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli/
Syllables & stress
re - gret - tably (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (gret)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: regrettably
- Plural: regrettablies
Expressions
regrettably not.
1/ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli nˈɑt ‖/
fixed phrase
formal
polite “unfortunately, no”
A formal way to say “No, unfortunately.”
Examples
- “Is there any chance of a refund?” “Regrettably not.”
- “Will the tickets be available today?” “Regrettably not.”
regrettably, [clause]
1/ɹɪɡɹˈɛtəbli | klˈɔz/
fixed phrase
formal
formal way to say “unfortunately”
A formal way to start a sentence meaning “unfortunately.”
Examples
- Regrettably, your application was not successful this time.
- Regrettably, we have to cancel tomorrow’s meeting.