regrettable

adjective

re·​gret·​ta·​ble ri-ˈgre-tə-bəl 

: deserving regret

Synonyms of regrettable

• unfortunate
• tragic

Examples of regrettable in a Sentence

His decision to quit is regrettable.

It was a regrettable mistake.

Recent Examples on the Web

For Phillips, the difference came down to one regrettable pitch against one of the best hitters of his generation. — Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026

During that time, Clooney’s popularity led him to star in films such as From Dusk Till Dawn, One Fine Day, and the unforgettable and kind of regrettable Batman & Robin. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026

Forcing tenants out is not a regrettable side effect of a broken housing system. — Anisha Steephen, Time, 21 July 2026

Knife sets, coffee cups, and baking dishes round out the non-regrettable basics to pick up. — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for regrettable

• wettable
• forgettable
• unforgettable

Kids Definition

regrettable

adjective

re·​gret·​ta·​ble ri-ˈgret-ə-bəl 

: deserving regret