sorry

adjective

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sor·ry | \ ˈsär-ē

, ˈsȯr- \

sorrier; sorriest

Definition of sorry

1 : feeling sorrow, regret, or penitence

2 : mournful, sad

3 : inspiring sorrow, pity, scorn, or ridicule : pitiful their affairs were in a sorry state

Other Words from sorry Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about sorry

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Choose the Right Synonym for sorry

contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values. a contemptible liar despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation. a despicable crime pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity. a pitiable attempt at tragedy sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness. this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust. a scurvy crew of hangers-on

Examples of sorry in a Sentence

I'm sorry if I offended you. She was sorry to hear about their divorce. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sorry for saying that. I'm sorry that I wasted your time. What a sorry state of affairs we're in now. That's the sorriest excuse I've heard.

Recent Examples on the Web Esposito, who has already seen one of her dreams dashed, would rather be safe than sorry. — Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, "European Mars rover in a ‘race against time’ to fix parachutes," 26 Nov. 2019 The seat of the bishops of East Anglia in the Middle Ages, by the early 20th century Thetford was in a sorry state. — The Economist, "The Cockneys of Thetford," 18 Dec. 2019 The Bulldogs are not going to feel sorry for UNC’s injury woes and poor shooting from the perimeter. — Joe Williams, USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, "North Carolina at Gonzaga odds, picks and best bets," 18 Dec. 2019 Although the coal fires do give out noxious smoke, activists also hold current activities of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) responsible for the sorry state of Jharia’s air. — Gurvinder Singh, Quartz India, "The coal mining region in India where the ground beneath shakes and belches fire," 4 Oct. 2019 Alabama’s line is good but not Derrick Brown good: Derrick Brown’s teammates always feel sorry for people who have to line up across from Brown. — Giana Han, al, "Instant analysis: Auburn comes out on top in back-and-forth Iron Bowl," 1 Dec. 2019 Your first BarkBox is just $5 for Bark, sorry, Black Friday with any multi-month subscription. — Staff, CNN Underscored, "Black Friday 2019: All the best deals you can shop today," 29 Nov. 2019 By the end of the episode, however, Katherine took charge and told the group to stop feeling sorry for her. — Heather Finn, Good Housekeeping, "'A Million Little Things' Fans Are Saying "Everyone Annoys" Them Except Katherine," 19 Oct. 2019 The itinerary was irritating, but few around the sport will feel sorry. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "George Springer's late homer lifts Astros over Royals," 13 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sorry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.