Synonyms for regretfully
Most common
sadly regrettably unfortunately sad to say sorrowfully ruefully
Synonyms by meaning
Adverb
1. Sadly — unfortunately, in a manner inspiring or deserving regret; used only as a sentence adverb (to introduce and…
2. Sorrowfully — in a regretful manner, with regret
Definitions
- adv. 1
In a regretful manner, with regret.
- adv. 2
Unfortunately, in a manner inspiring or deserving regret; used only as a sentence adverb (to introduce and modify an entire sentence).
Example sentences
- unfortunately Unfortunately, my teachers are not the worst ones.
- sadly Sadly, he isn't as skilled as he is enthusiastic.
- regrettably Gunter regrettably gave Amelia a key to his apartment.
- ruefully John smiled rather ruefully.
- sorrowfully The sons sorrowfully buried their parents.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| regretfully | steady | |
| unfortunately | falling | |
| sadly | rising | |
| regrettably | steady | |
| ruefully | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- sadly2
- 8 letters
- ruefully3
- 11 letters
- regrettably4, sorrowfully
- 13 letters
- unfortunately5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (sadly2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- à regret
- Català
- a contracor