regrettable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
- regrettableness noun
- regrettably adverb
- unregrettable adjective
Etymology
Origin of regrettable
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French regret(t)able; regret, -able
Explanation
Regrettable describes things that make you feel sorry. Letting your sister borrow your own snow shovel became a regrettable decision the moment the big storm started. Actions and events are regrettable if they result in feelings of regret, or if they're unwelcome or undesirable. Wearing your least comfortable shoes on a walking tour of Paris will be a regrettable choice if blisters form on your toes. Remember, regrettable describes things like decisions, actions or words. Regretful is for describing people and feelings that express regret.
Vocabulary lists containing regrettable
The Magician's Nephew
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Spelling Practice 1, Unit 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It fully blamed ICE for this screwup, by the way, and stated unequivocally that “this regrettable error” had occurred because ICE counsel repeatedly gave DOJ lawyers false information.
From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026
The U.S. seems on track to remain the world’s premier engine of innovation and material progress despite a succession of presidents each of whom was regrettable in his own way.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026
The Afghan authorities called that "regrettable" and pointed to talks between the two sides and previous releases with mediators from Qatar.
From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026
"We will now turn to the difficult and regrettable task of winding down our health assistance in Zimbabwe," US ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont said in a statement.
From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026
"It was all a regrettable mistake," Ed Plum explained to the judge.
From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
