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.
New Zealand's former prime minister Helen Clark, co-chair of The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, said the failure to reach agreement this week was "deeply regrettable".
From Barron's • May 1, 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
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
It fully blamed ICE for this screwup, by the way, and stated unequivocally that “this regrettable error” had occurred because ICE counsel repeatedly gave DOJ lawyers false information.
From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026
“A dangerous quality. Unhealthy. Especially regrettable in one so young.”
From "The City of Ember" by Jeanne DuPrau
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.
