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.
"That we failed to achieve our goal despite our best efforts is extremely regrettable," he said.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
He is in a brute profession with a brute standard—winning, period—and a long tradition of ignoring all sorts of regrettable employee behavior so long as the victories continue.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Eswatini's government said it was regrettable that Lai was unable to visit, but that this would not "change the status of our longstanding bilateral relationship", according to reports.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
Last year, Scotland Yard said the officers' actions in the Child Q case were "regrettable" and it "should never have happened".
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
“I do not pretend to be a hero. But I will save my family. It is regrettable I can only save half.”
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions 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.
