regret

noun

1

: sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair

2

a

: an expression of distressing emotion (such as sorrow)

b

regrets plural : a note politely declining an invitation

Synonyms of regret

• remorse
• guilt
• shame

Choose the Right Synonym for regret

sorrow, grief, anguish, woe, regret mean distress of mind.

sorrow implies a sense of loss or a sense of guilt and remorse.

a family united in sorrow upon the patriarch's death

grief implies poignant sorrow for an immediate cause.

the inexpressible grief of the bereaved parents

anguish suggests torturing grief or dread.

the anguish felt by the parents of the kidnapped child

woe is deep or inconsolable grief or misery.

cries of woe echoed throughout the bombed city

regret implies pain caused by deep disappointment, fruitless longing, or unavailing remorse.

nagging regret for missed opportunities

Examples of regret in a Sentence

She has no regrets about leaving him.

My greatest regret is not going to college.

To my regret, I never visited Europe.

It is with deep regret that he is announcing his resignation.

My coworker gives her regrets for not being able to attend the meeting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Over the years, Beckham doubled down on having no regrets over the sarong, insisting past fashion choices were entirely his own. —Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 7 June 2026

Murray expressed regret over his behavior during an appearance on CNBC in 2022. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026

According to American Home Shield’s 2025 survey data, nearly half of homeowners (42%) cite maintenance and hidden costs as their primary source of regret about homeownership. —Kathy Collins, Fortune, 6 June 2026

But sadness also, along with regret, surrounding Arguijo-Mejia. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing regret

• agonies of guilt/remorse/regret
• live to regret (something)
• much to someone's regret
• much to the regret of (someone)
• regret to say

Rhymes for regret

• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• binet
• briquette
• brunet
• brunette
• burette

Kids Definition

regret

1 of 2 verb

re·​gret ri-ˈgret 

regretted; regretting

1

a

: to mourn the loss or death of

b

: to miss very much

2

: to be keenly sorry for

3

: to experience regret

regret

2 of 2 noun

1

: sorrow aroused by events beyond one's control

2

a

: an expression of sorrow or disappointment

b

plural : a note politely turning down an invitation

regretful

-ˈgret-fəl 

adjective