regrettably

American  

[ri-gret-uh-blee] / rɪˈgrɛt ə bli /

adverb

1. unfortunately.

   Regrettably, those countries that have contributed the least to the problem are facing the gravest consequences.

   The student’s regrettably short attention span resulted in a series of near failures.

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Usage

What does regrettably mean? Regrettably means in a manner of regret or disappointment, as in Regrettably, I won’t be able to go to your birthday celebration. Regrettably is most often used at the beginning of a sentence to describe how the speaker or writer feels about what follows in the rest of the sentence. Example: I have regrettably made a choice that has ruined my evening plans.

Other Word Forms

• unregrettably adverb

Etymology

Origin of regrettably

regrettab(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The sentence adverb regrettably is good for expressing regret, or sorrow, about an unfortunate event. If you forgot that today, May 5th, is your brother's birthday, you might say, "Regrettably, I thought today was the fourth." Regrettably is often used at the beginning of a sentence that tells something you wish you had done — or hadn't. You can also use it in the middle of a thought to signify sadness, apology, or regret, like when you're lost in the woods with a guide who's regrettably choosing one wrong path after another. Regrettably also describes things that are disappointing, like your regrettably brief career as a fire juggler.

Example Sentences

In response, Lamola said: "We reiterate that broad-based black economic empowerment is not reverse racism as regrettably insinuated by the ambassador."

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Even the celebratory ending—as the students resolve to “change the story”—seemed credible in context, though regrettably a more daunting task in the real world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

We believe that this is the labor secretary’s first appearance in the Surge, and, regrettably, it’s not to commend her on great achievements in the field of labor.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2026

"We have to focus on the savings because regrettably the finances of this country are in terrible, terrible trouble," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2025

I can’t excuse it, regrettably, but I insist on trying to explain it.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• acutely
• badly
• grievously
• intensely
• severely
• sorely
• very