regrettably

adverb

re·​gret·​ta·​bly ri-ˈgre-tə-blē 

1

: to a regrettable extent

a regrettably steep decline in wages

2

: it is to be regretted

regrettably, they could not attend

Examples of regrettably in a Sentence

The progress of the work was regrettably slow.

Recent Examples on the Web

While there’s seemingly no limit to the stylish market totes on offer this summer, there is, regrettably, a limit to how many will fit in my closet. — Natalie Cantell, InStyle, 26 July 2026

The democratization of Internet access with cheap smartphones and 5G has also regrettably seeded a CSAM wild west, whereby anyone with access to a child and dire financial problems can instantly solve their money woes. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 20 July 2026

But lately, the chaos in the United States made the song seem regrettably apropos. — Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

But the obstacles blocking James from joining the Wolves are, regrettably, manifold — money being the first and foremost. — Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

regrettably

adverb

re·​gret·​ta·​bly ri-ˈgret-ə-blē 

1

: to an extent deserving regret

a regrettably big decline in wages

2

: it is regrettable : unfortunately

regrettably, I could not agree