regrettable

adjective

re·​gret·​ta·​ble ri-ˈgre-tə-bəl 

: deserving regret

Synonyms of regrettable

• unfortunate
• tragic

Examples of regrettable in a Sentence

His decision to quit is regrettable.

It was a regrettable mistake.

Recent Examples on the Web

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

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for regrettable

• wettable
• forgettable
• unforgettable

Kids Definition

regrettable

adjective

re·​gret·​ta·​ble ri-ˈgret-ə-bəl 

: deserving regret