Synonyms of regrettable

regrettable

adjective

ri-ˈgre-tə-bəl 

as in unfortunate

of a kind to cause great distress

the explorers forged ahead despite the regrettable loss of some of their companions

Synonyms & Similar Words

• unfortunate
• tragic
• terrible
• lamentable
• deplorable
• horrible
• shocking
• distressing
• disturbing
• grievous
• unlucky
• painful
• woeful
• sad
• disastrous
• distressful
• awful
• unsettling
• dire
• heartbreaking
• troublesome
• sickening
• dreadful
• pitiful
• miserable
• fearful
• unbearable
• severe
• vexatious
• traumatic
• heartrending
• alarming
• poignant
• overwhelming
• horrifying
• wretched
• intolerable
• doleful
• crushing
• piteous
• moving
• affecting
• touching
• calamitous
• excruciating
• harrowing
• perturbing
• ruthful
• sharp
• raging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gratifying
• satisfying
• rewarding
• pleasing
• encouraging
• heartening
• comforting
• inspiring
• happy
• fortunate
• lucky
• heartwarming
• cheering

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of regrettable

The chain of regrettable decisions began the moment Trojans linebacker Desman Stephens II lowered his shoulder into the helmet of sliding Oregon quarterback Dante Moore in the second quarter. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

In hindsight, however, the decisions have looked regrettable for the Wisconsin Badgers. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

The intriguing subplot is whether CBS will try to void the final four years (and $72 million) of Romo’s regrettable 10-year, $180 million deal by citing a moral clause that is standard in broadcast contracts. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026

Watson added another regrettable chapter to his legacy by proceeding to bemoan his treatment by the crowd at Huntington Bank Field following Saturday's outing. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026