regrettable

adjective

re·​gret·​ta·​ble ri-ˈgre-tə-bəl How to pronounce regrettable (audio)
Synonyms of regrettablenext
: deserving regret

Synonyms

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Examples of regrettable in a Sentence

His decision to quit is regrettable. It was a regrettable mistake.
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.
Yes, renting buildings to paranormal investigators trying to conjure former students was regrettable, Mr. Nogelmeier says. — Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Mar. 2025 There’s also a partisan cynicism embedded in this calculation—that Trump’s second term isn’t really the fascist threat that Democrats warned about on the campaign trail but a regrettable interlude that must be waited out. — Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2025 Jacob Elordi plays Dorrigo Evans’ younger self, stumbling into an engagement with a girlfriend from a wealthy family (Olivia DeJonge) while falling in love with his uncle’s wife Amy (Odessa Young), a bohemian youngster who has clearly done some regrettable matrimonial stumbling herself. — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2025 The return of Dina Manzo wasn’t enough to counter the regrettable new additions, particularly Amber and her loathsome husband, Jim. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for regrettable

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of regrettable was in 1603

Rhymes for regrettable

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Cite this Entry

“Regrettable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regrettable. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

regrettable

adjective
re·​gret·​ta·​ble ri-ˈgret-ə-bəl How to pronounce regrettable (audio)
: deserving regret

More from Merriam-Webster on regrettable

Nglish: Translation of regrettable for Spanish Speakers

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