regrettably

adverb

re·​gret·​ta·​bly ri-ˈgre-tə-blē How to pronounce regrettably (audio)
1
: to a regrettable extent
a regrettably steep decline in wages
2
: it is to be regretted
regrettably, they could not attend

Examples of regrettably in a Sentence

The progress of the work was regrettably slow.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
One is the searing story of an inebriated gentleman who regrettably took a one-minute walk while barefoot during the unprecedented 2021 Northwest heat dome. ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 2025 There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors too. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Suicide and violence are regrettably commonplace; be an ally and speak truth to power. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 Not pictured is Golden Gun's Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland), who does carry a Gucci handbag but otherwise delivers little in terms of style — or, regrettably, in terms of sense. EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regrettably

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of regrettably was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Regrettably.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regrettably. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

regrettably

adverb
re·​gret·​ta·​bly ri-ˈgret-ə-blē How to pronounce regrettably (audio)
1
: to an extent deserving regret
a regrettably big decline in wages
2
: it is regrettable : unfortunately
regrettably, I could not agree

More from Merriam-Webster on regrettably

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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