non-apology apology
Sorry, not sorry
A non-apology apology expresses regret without accepting responsibility for wrongdoing.
It typically shifts blame to the offended party or circumstances: I'm sorry you feel that way, I'm sorry if anyone was offended, Mistakes were made.
The form mimics genuine apology while avoiding actual admission of fault.
Politicians and public figures favor this when forced to respond to criticism without conceding guilt.
- nonapologyInsincere expression of regret
- sorry not sorryPhrase feigning then retracting regret
- insincereFeigning belief or feeling
- crocodile tearsInsincere show of sadness
- passive voiceVerb form where subject receives action
mistakes were made · gaslighting · regret · deflection · evasion · excuse · blame-shifting · weasel words · euphemisms · equivocation · qualifiers · justification · minimization · rationalization · dismissal · sidestepping · non-assumption · face-saving
non-apology apologysincere apology
Genuine expression of regret
heartfelt apology · mea culpa · admission of guilt · accountability · making amends
non-apology apologytaking responsibility
accountability · confession · making amends · atonement · reparation
apology, apologies, apologize, apologized, apologizing, apologetic, apologetically, apologist, apologists