adv B2 Upper-Intermediate

regrettably

Regrettably (adv) means in a way that is unfortunate and deserves regret. Example: “Regrettably, we were unable to save the building.”

adv

In a way that is unfortunate and deserves regret.

"Regrettably, we were unable to save the building."

How to Use Regrettably

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUnfortunately — used to describe a fact or situation, not a person's feelings.

Easily confused with

regretfully →

Word Forms

more regrettably comparative, most regrettably superlative

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_____, we were unable to save the building.

Rhymes for regrettably

notably probably arguably amicably suitably reliably admirably favorably miserably inexorably reasonably invariably

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “regrettably” mean?

The word “regrettably” means in a way that is unfortunate and deserves regret. In plain terms, unfortunately — used to describe a fact or situation, not a person's feelings.

How do you use “regrettably” in a sentence?

Here is “regrettably” used in a sentence: “Regrettably, we were unable to save the building.”

What part of speech is “regrettably”?

“Regrettably” is an adverb.