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

Ironically, this reminiscence preceded my viewing of Remarkably Bright Creatures, the recent Netflix release that seeks to inaugurate a new, regrettable phase in Field’s five-decade-long movie career. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2026

Tanking was a huge — and from the league standpoint, regrettable — talking point this season. — Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

And speaking of restricted free agency, the obvious winner for most regrettable decision one year later was choosing Christian Braun’s extension over Peyton Watson’s. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 13 May 2026

Misunderstandings about exclusive-use areas often lead to regrettable disagreements. — Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2026