apology
noun
apol·o·gy
ə-ˈpä-lə-jē 
plural apologies
1
a
: an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret
a public apology
b
apologies plural
: an expression of regret for not being able to do something
I won't be able to attend. Please give them my apologies.
2
a
: something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize : defense
The book is an apology for capitalism.
b
3
informal
: a poor substitute or example : makeshift
He's a poor apology for a father.
Examples of apology in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Restoring fairness involves apologies, but is supported through consistent effort and meaningful actions.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
The stock is in a better position than last year, when company management issued a rare public apology for disappointing results.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 July 2025
One comment in particular stuck with her — a follower who shared that their neighbor’s child with Down syndrome had picked their flowers by mistake, prompting a heartfelt apology the next day.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 July 2025
Stewart claims neither funeral home has offered an apology or explanation to the couple.
—USA Today, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apology
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
The stock is in a better position than last year, when company management issued a rare public apology for disappointing results.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 July 2025
One comment in particular stuck with her — a follower who shared that their neighbor’s child with Down syndrome had picked their flowers by mistake, prompting a heartfelt apology the next day.
—Ashley Vega, People.com, 30 July 2025
Stewart claims neither funeral home has offered an apology or explanation to the couple.
—USA Today, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apology
Cite this Entry
“Apology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/apology. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
apology
noun
apol·o·gy
ə-ˈpäl-ə-jē
plural apologies
1
: an expression of regret (as for a mistake or for rudeness)
2
informal
: a poor example
he's a poor apology for a boss
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share