regretfully

American  

[ri-gret-fuh-lee] / rɪˈgrɛt fə li /

adverb

1. in a regretful way.

2. unfortunately.

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Explanation

Use the adverb regretfully to mean "with regret" — the sorrow you feel about something that has already happened. For example, little kids would regretfully turn over the candy bars they stole from the grocery store. If you're sorry about something you've done or said, you might speak regretfully about it. Your feeling of regret or remorse is reflected in your actions, like when you regretfully recall something you said to a friend who was very hurt by your words. Don't confuse regretfully with unfortunately, which doesn't carry the same weight of personal responsibility — unfortunately, it's raining and you regretfully forgot your umbrella.

Example Sentences

Judge Vince Chhabria sided with Meta but appeared to do so regretfully, stating that Meta’s use of the writers’ work to train its bots isn’t necessarily legal but that the plaintiffs “made the wrong arguments.”

From Slate • Jun. 30, 2025

The legendary saga of “meat chair,” a wildly expensive single item of patio furniture that was, for a time, regretfully on display in the deli area, hence the name.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

He said he "naively and regretfully" bought an honorary doctorate in business consultancy online and displayed the certificate in his clinic.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2025

And when in Venice, he warned readers regretfully, “Stay away from gondolas; they cost as much as $3 an hour!”

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2024

“One of my companions is missing,” Taran said regretfully.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander