regrettable

adjective

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

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.
This one regrettable fight between husband and wife has far-reaching implications for the community surrounding a ritzy LA country club, where Josh is the general manager and Ashley and Austin are his underlings. Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026 Then Miami gave Jovic a four-year, $62 million deal that seemed defensible at the time but now stands as a regrettable mistake, in retrospect. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2026 The early days of the 2026 MLB season have produced memorable debuts, unforgettable images and regrettable decisions. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026 Japan called the step unacceptable and regrettable and demanded that China retract it immediately. Arkansas Online, 31 Mar. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Regrettable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/regrettable. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

regrettable

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

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