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,” see 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

We suspect that many of you may owe him an apology.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

Later, the officer called me over and offered a sincere apology for his outburst.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Eastwood said he welcomed the apology but called on Badenoch to apology personally to the survivors and families of victims of Bloody Sunday.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

In 1993 Pope John Paul II formally recognized Israel, and in 2000 he placed a letter of apology for past Jewish suffering in a Western Wall crevice.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“No, that was an apology to the family. This is my apology to you.”

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

Related Words

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