as in unfortunate
of a kind to cause great distress
the explorers forged ahead despite the regrettable loss of some of their companions
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Recent Examples of regrettable
The state bar association is the third largest in the nation, Labarga wrote, calling the majority opinion regrettable.
—
Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026
Some call it timeless, but others worry that in the world of quick-circuiting online trends, color drenching might be a regrettable move.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
Both decisions were regrettable (more on that later), especially in hindsight, but there’s no doubt the field factored into the failures of both.
—Mike Kaye
updated January 3, Charlotte Observer, 4 Jan. 2026
Alternatively, the heat is a means to an end, either stoking our immune system to work better, or simply a regrettable, but unavoidable byproduct of fighting off an infection.
—NPR, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regrettable
Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026
Some call it timeless, but others worry that in the world of quick-circuiting online trends, color drenching might be a regrettable move.
—Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2026
Both decisions were regrettable (more on that later), especially in hindsight, but there’s no doubt the field factored into the failures of both.
—Mike Kaye
updated January 3, Charlotte Observer, 4 Jan. 2026
Alternatively, the heat is a means to an end, either stoking our immune system to work better, or simply a regrettable, but unavoidable byproduct of fighting off an infection.
—NPR, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for regrettable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for regrettable
Adjective
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And that’s how the forward ended up under a too-bright light at the end of this season, burdened with the unfortunate responsibility of being one of the few players the front office felt was worth investing in long term.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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After Ellis’ unfortunate and sudden passing in 1986, Marc Jacobs was named creative director of the brand in 1988.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Hitler’s personal copy of History of the Expedition, the narrative of the tragic Wegener venture, can be perused in the rare-book collection at the Library of Congress among the 1,200 or so remnant volumes from Hitler’s private library.—
Timothy W. Ryback,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
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Emmy winner Paris Barclay‘s 105-minute chronicle of the meteoric rise and tragic fall of Billy Preston is a treasure trove for classic rock and soul music fans.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Regrettable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/regrettable. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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