regrettably
Adverb: In a manner that causes or expresses regret or disappointment; unfortunately.
"Regrettably" is used to introduce a statement about an unfortunate or disappointing fact or situation. It expresses the speaker's or writer's sense of regret about the information that follows. It is a formal adverb, often used in written and formal spoken English.
- Regrettably, the event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.
- The flight was, regrettably, delayed by several hours.
- Regrettably, we cannot offer you the position at this time.
- Sentence-initial position: Most commonly used at the beginning of a sentence to frame the entire statement as unfortunate.
- Regrettably, our funding for the project has been withdrawn.
- Mid-sentence parenthetical: Can be used within a sentence, often set off by commas, to comment on a specific part of the statement.
- The proposal was, regrettably, rejected by the committee.
- Regretful (adjective): Feeling or showing regret.
- He was regretful about his decision.
- Regrettable (adjective): Deserving regret; unfortunate.
- The loss of the historic building was a regrettable event.
- Unfortunately
- Alas (more literary or old-fashioned)
- Sadly
- Unhappily
- Fortunately
- Luckily
- Happily
"Regrettably" is often confused with "regretfully." While both are adverbs, they have distinct meanings: * Regrettably means "it is a matter of regret that..." and modifies the entire situation. * Regretfully means "in a regretful manner" and describes how someone does something. * He regretfully declined the invitation. (He declined it while feeling regret.) * Regrettably, he declined the invitation. (It is unfortunate that he declined.)
- by bad luck
- unfortunately it rained all day
- alas, I cannot stay