regrettable
Worthy of remorse
Regrettable describes something unfortunate or worthy of regret—an outcome, decision, or situation that one wishes had been different: a regrettable mistake, a regrettable loss of life.
The word often appears in formal apologies or official statements, sometimes as understatement: The incident was regrettable may acknowledge harm without accepting full blame.
Deserving strong disapproval
- deplorableDeserving strong disapproval
- sadEmotionally low
- woefulExtremely sad or pitiful
- grievousCausing intense suffering
tragic · distressing · disheartening · pitiable · unhappy · unlucky · hapless · ill-fated
Foolish, costly mistake
- errorFault in communication
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- misstepError in action or judgment
- gaffeClumsy social error
miscalculation · faux pas · slip-up · lapse · failure · omission · miscue · botch
Capable of being prevented
- unnecessaryNot essential or required
- avertableCapable of being prevented
- foreseeableAble to be anticipated
- escapableAble to be fled
needless · unwarranted · gratuitous · uncalled-for · ill-considered · rash · imprudent · shortsighted
Expressing regret for wrongdoing
- contriteFeeling guilt over misdeeds
- ruefulExpressing sorrowful repentance
- penitentOne showing remorse
- repentantFeeling sorrow for misdeeds
sorry · guilt-ridden · shamefaced · conscience-stricken · woeful · sorrowful · mournful · chagrined
lamentable
Deserving strong disapproval
- deplorableDeserving strong disapproval
- sadEmotionally low
- woefulExtremely sad or pitiful
grievous · tragic · distressing · disheartening · pitiable · unhappy · unlucky · hapless · ill-fated · ill-advised
blunder
Foolish, costly mistake
- errorFault in communication
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- misstepError in action or judgment
gaffe · miscalculation · faux pas · slip-up · lapse · failure · omission · miscue · botch · bungle
avoidable
Capable of being prevented
- unnecessaryNot essential or required
- avertableCapable of being prevented
- foreseeableAble to be anticipated
escapable · needless · unwarranted · gratuitous · uncalled-for · ill-considered · rash · imprudent · shortsighted · hasty
apologetic
Expressing regret for wrongdoing
repentant · sorry · guilt-ridden · shamefaced · conscience-stricken · woeful · sorrowful · mournful · chagrined · anguished
regrettablewelcome
Hospitable greeting offered
pleasing · satisfying · gratifying · delightful · wonderful
regrettablepraiseworthy
Deserving approval or admiration
commendable · admirable · laudable · meritorious · right
regrettablefortunate
Enjoying favorable circumstances
lucky · blessed · fortuitous · auspicious · propitious