regrettably

[ri-gret-uh-blee]

adverb

1. unfortunately.

   Regrettably, those countries that have contributed the least to the problem are facing the gravest consequences.

   The student’s regrettably short attention span resulted in a series of near failures.

Other Word Forms

• unregrettably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of regrettably¹

regrettab(le) ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

And the lone reinforcement the front office acquired at what now feels like a regrettably quiet trade deadline, Brock Stewart, is uncertain to return from a bothersome shoulder problem.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We have to focus on the savings because regrettably the finances of this country are in terrible, terrible trouble," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

Read more on BBC

That direction, regrettably, is more attuned to our times.

Read more on Salon

It knows my height, my weight, my hydration, my cardio stamina — even, regrettably, my body’s visceral fat percentage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Our members stood down industrial action to accept the employers' offer, regrettably it now seems clear they were sold a pup."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• acutely 
• badly 
• grievously 
• intensely 
• severely 
• sorely 
• very 

When To Use

What does regrettably mean?

Regrettably means in a manner of regret or disappointment, as in Regrettably, I won’t be able to go to your birthday celebration.Regrettably is most often used at the beginning of a sentence to describe how the speaker or writer feels about what follows in the rest of the sentence.Example: I have regrettably made a choice that has ruined my evening plans.