regrettably
35
4.6
- adverb
- /rɪˈɡrɛtəbli/
- Formal
:
lamentablemente
- Regrettably, the concert was canceled due to bad weather.
- Regrettably, many people
- Regrettably little
- Regrettably, however
That's, that was the ethos of the time, which Ben has regrettably, tragically repudiated.
- That's, that was the ethos of the time, which Ben has regrettably, tragically repudiated.
- And then I switched paths at college and went to study something else and and gave up film, regrettably.
- She wrote there that Romney was regrettably repeating a message too likely to be sent to women already.
- So I regrettably have never had my APOB tested.
- And I've actually found that the most detestable people that I interact with, which regrettably constitute the great majority of people, don't have that ability.
- And finally and in many ways, most importantly or or most regrettably, drunk.
Examples
-
Regrettably, I have a prior lunch engagement with Professor Kane.
-
Regrettably, he is not present here.
-
It's the morning of the third and, regrettably, final day today.
-
And that looks regrettably more and more like a personal matter.
Fiction book (1993) -
"I would like to be able to discuss these matters with you, but regrettably, I have an appointment."
Academic text (1994) -
You brought her here, regrettably, so now she stays.
-
Regrettably, these recent events have become too public.
-
We become comfortable and, regrettably, more complacent with what we know.
Academic text (1990) -
Regrettably, the peaceful work and the hard-currency earnings of Severnaya have been set back by several years.
-
Regrettably, the situation has not improved in any appreciable manner since the publication of Glendon's book.
Academic text (2008)
Synonyms
∞
2.9
Shows that something is sad or unlucky
643
3.3
Saying that something is unfortunate or disappointing
291
1.0
To show that something is unfortunate or disappointing
140
7.4
To show sadness or feel sorry about something bad
15
1.3
In a sad or regretful way
13
3.8
Saying something while feeling sorry, often when you tell bad news
11
6.9
In a way that shows you feel sorry about something you did
2
8.0
In a way that makes people feel regret or sadness
1
4.6
In a sad way that shows a person is sorry
1
2.0
In a way that happens because of bad luck
1
9.1
A phrase people say to show regret about bad news
Antonyms
How Regrettable
Surface Forms
Morphology
regrettably = regrettable (transparent) = regret + able + ly
The adverb is a regular derivation from the adjective 'regrettable' by adding '-ly', and 'regrettable' is transparently formed from 'regret' + '-able'.
Etymology
Regrettably comes from regret, which means 'to feel sorry or sad about something', plus the ending -ably that means 'in a way'. So, regrettably is used to say that something is unfortunate or that you are sorry about it.