Regrettably

You will usually find this word at the very beginning of a sentence. It is almost always followed by a comma. For example: Regrettably, your application was not successful. You can also tuck it into the middle of a sentence for a more rhythmic flow. Try saying: The concert has, regrettably, been postponed. It works best when followed by a factual statement. It is a powerful tool for maintaining a professional image. It keeps the conversation respectful even when the news is negative. Just remember to keep the rest of your sentence formal to match the tone.

This is your go-to word for business emails and formal letters. Use it when you are declining an invitation to a gala or a high-level meeting. It is perfect for customer service when you cannot fulfill a specific request. If you are a manager delivering news about a budget cut, this word is your best friend. It is also useful in academic writing or official announcements. Use it anytime you want to sound like a polished professional. It works well when you want to show empathy without getting too personal or emotional.

Do not use this word with your best friends while hanging out. If you say, Regrettably, I cannot pass the salt, your friends will think you are being sarcastic or weird. Avoid it in casual text messages about low-stakes plans. Don't use it for very serious personal tragedies, like a death in the family; it can sound a bit too cold and detached there. It is also not a good fit for high-energy, positive environments. If you use it too often in one email, you might sound like a robot. Keep it for the big 'no' moments.

English-speaking cultures, particularly in the UK and the US, value 'polite distance' in professional settings. We often avoid being too direct because it can seem aggressive. Regrettably is a product of this cultural desire to be gentle but firm. It has been a staple of formal English for centuries. It allows the speaker to distance themselves from the bad news. It says, 'The situation is bad, but I am a polite person for telling you this way.' It is a hallmark of 'Corporate English' that helps keep business relationships smooth.

Unfortunately is the most common alternative and is slightly less formal. If you want to be even more formal, you can say I regret to inform you. For a more emotional or literary tone, some might use sadly. In very old-fashioned contexts, you might hear alas, though that sounds like a movie character now. There is also a tricky cousin: regretfully. While regrettably means 'it is a regretful situation,' regretfully means 'I am feeling regret.' Most people use regrettably to describe the situation itself.