regret

Definition

  • noun: sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair
  • verb: to feel sad or sorry about (something that you did or did not do)
  • verb: to mourn the loss or death of
  • used formally and in writing to express sad feelings about something that is disappointing or unpleasant
  • synonyms: abject apology, acknowledgment, affliction

Examples

  • If you don't travel now, you might 'live to regret it'. [=you might feel sorry or disappointed about it in the future]

  • We 'regret' to inform you [=we are sorry to tell you] that we have offered the job to someone else.

  • It is to be 'regretted' [=it is regrettable/unfortunate] that the program has lost its funding.

Movie quotes

  • (..) I don't know half of you haIf as well as I should like... ...and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. I have things to do. I've put this off far too long. I regret to announce this is the end! I'm going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell. Goodbye. (..)
    2001 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring