regrettable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of regrettable
First recorded in 1595–1605; from Middle French regret(t)able; see 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.
Eminem may well be staring down a future where his regrettable decision to record contemporary worship dreck with Kid Rock generated his last real headlines.
From Salon ● Oct. 21, 2026
The European Union called the sanctions "deeply regrettable" and said it was "ready to take any necessary measures to enable the court to carry out its work."
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
And, yes, the desire to do things yourself is understandable, if sometimes regrettable.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 5, 2026
On Tuesday President Lee said that it was "regrettable" that because of a few "loach-like figures who muddy the well water", "the honour and pride of the majority of diligent police officers are being damaged".
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2026
"It was all a regrettable mistake," Ed Plum explained to the judge.
From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
