apology

American  

[uh-pol-uh-jee] / əˈpɒl ə dʒi /

noun

plural

apologies

1. a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another.

   He demanded an apology from me for calling him a crook.

2. a defense, excuse, or justification in speech or writing, as for a cause or doctrine.

   Synonyms:

   vindication

3. (initial capital letter, italics) a dialogue by Plato, centering on Socrates' defense before the tribunal that condemned him to death.

4. an inferior specimen or substitute; makeshift.

   The tramp wore a sad apology for a hat.

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apology British  

/ əˈpɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. an oral or written expression of regret or contrition for a fault or failing

2. a poor substitute or offering

3. another word for apologia

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Related Words

See excuse.

Other Word Forms

• reapology noun
• superapology noun

Etymology

Origin of apology

First recorded in 1500–50; earlier apologie, late Middle English (from Middle French ), from Late Latin apologia, from Greek apología, “speech in self-defense; defense,” apologia

Explanation

An apology is what you say or do when you want to let someone know (or fool them into thinking) that you regret something. An apology is nice, but chocolates or large bundles of cash are nicer. Always. The noun apology has its roots in the Greek apologos, meaning a story. It entered the English language in the Middle Ages. If you broke your friend’s sword and then made up an elaborate story to get out of trouble, that was an apology. After a few decades, the general sense of the word shifted to its current meaning — what you say when you want to express real remorse.

Example Sentences

The next morning, the Huskies posted Auriemma’s first apology on X.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

The birth mothers and adoptees have campaigned for years for an apology from the UK government, arguing that many of the mother and baby homes were paid for by the state.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

She wants to see the final draft of an apology before fully embracing it.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister, praised President Lee’s “very fortunate and wise behavior” following the apology, lowering tensions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

A few days later, they found the equipment-room key in some teacher’s washing machine, and Mom told the principal and the noon aide they had to write me an apology.

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Related Words

• acknowledgment
• admission
• amends
• atonement
• concession
• confession
• excuse
• explanation
• justification
• plea
• redress
• reparation