adv

regretfully

Regretfully (adv) means In a way that shows regret. Example: “She regretfully declined the invitation.”

adv

In a way that shows regret.

"She regretfully declined the invitation."

Unfortunately — used to introduce a whole sentence.

"Regretfully, the event has been cancelled due to low ticket sales."

How to use regretfully

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWith a feeling of regret, or (as a sentence-starter) "unfortunately."

Common mistake

Careful writers keep "regretfully" (how someone feels) separate from "regrettably" (a fact that is unfortunate) — "He regretfully missed the flight" vs "Regrettably, the flight was cancelled."

Easily confused with

regrettably →

Word forms

more regretfully comparative, most regretfully superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ declined the invitation.

Rhymes for regretfully

gully fully sully bully cully Tully Scully awfully joyfully lawfully woefully hopefully

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Frequently asked questions

What does “regretfully” mean?

The word “regretfully” means in a way that shows regret. In plain terms, with a feeling of regret, or (as a sentence-starter) "unfortunately.".

How do you use “regretfully” in a sentence?

Here is “regretfully” used in a sentence: “She regretfully declined the invitation.”

What part of speech is “regretfully”?

“Regretfully” is an adverb.

How many meanings does “regretfully” have?

“Regretfully” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that shows regret.