regrettable

or re·gret·a·ble

[ ri-gret-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. causing or deserving regret; unfortunate; deplorable.

Other Words From

• re·gret·ta·ble·ness noun
• re·gret·ta·bly adverb
• un·re·gret·ta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of regrettable¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French regret(t)able; regret, -able

Example Sentences

Mr Amesbury confirmed he had been told to appear in court after the "deeply regrettable" incident.

From BBC

Diving Australia said the sport's Commonwealth heritage made the decision "even more regrettable".

From BBC

Roberts has made his share of regrettable October decisions, but he redeemed himself in the eyes of critics with his deft bullpen management against the Padres, steering eight relievers through an 8-0 Game 4 win and four through four hitless innings in a 2-0 Game 5 win.

From Los Angeles Times

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said the fine was “regrettable” given the PSNI’s budget problems.

From BBC

Berry’s response summed up this incident well, “It’s regrettable that I, as I sit here, have experienced the very issue that we’re attempting to deal with today.”

From Salon

Related Words

• calamitous
• deplorable
• dire
• disappointing
• distressing
• dreadful
• grievous
• heartbreaking
• lamentable
• sad
• shameful