When delivering news that might be disappointing or regretful, using varied expressions can help convey the message with the right tone. Here are alternative ways to say “unfortunately” to help you communicate more effectively and sensitively.
1. Regrettably
Scenario: Informing a client that their request cannot be fulfilled on time.
Example 1: “Regrettably, we are unable to complete your request by the deadline.”
Example 2: “Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances, we must postpone the project.”
Explanation: “Regrettably” conveys a sense of apology and sorrow for the situation, suitable for formal or professional contexts.
2. Sadly
Scenario: Letting a friend know that their favorite event has been canceled.
Example 1: “Sadly, the concert has been canceled due to the artist’s illness.”
Example 2: “I’m sorry to say, but sadly, the event has been called off.”
Explanation: “Sadly” expresses disappointment and can soften the impact of the news, making it more empathetic.
3. It’s a Shame
Scenario: Informing a colleague about a missed opportunity for promotion.
Example 1: “It’s a shame that the promotion didn’t work out this time.”
Example 2: “It’s a shame we couldn’t secure the deal we were hoping for.”
Explanation: “It’s a shame” highlights the regret or missed opportunity in a less formal and more conversational manner.
4. Disappointingly
Scenario: Announcing that a project did not meet its goals.
Example 1: “Disappointingly, the project did not achieve the expected results.”
Example 2: “Disappointingly, we must report that the launch was delayed.”
Explanation: “Disappointingly” emphasizes the letdown and negative outcome, focusing on the result of the situation.
5. Unfortunately
Scenario: Informing a customer that their order is out of stock.
Example 1: “Unfortunately, the item you requested is out of stock.”
Example 2: “Unfortunately, we cannot fulfill your order at this time.”
Explanation: “Unfortunately” is a straightforward and commonly used term to indicate regret and unfavorable outcomes.
6. I’m Afraid
Scenario: Letting a friend know you can’t attend an event.
Example 1: “I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it to the party.”
Example 2: “I’m afraid I have a prior commitment and can’t join you.”
Explanation: “I’m afraid” is a polite way to deliver disappointing news, softening the blow with a touch of concern.
7. Regrettably Speaking
Scenario: Notifying a team about a budget cut.
Example 1: “Regrettably speaking, we have to adjust the budget due to financial constraints.”
Example 2: “Regrettably speaking, our project funding has been reduced.”
Explanation: “Regrettably speaking” adds a formal tone to the expression of regret and emphasizes the seriousness of the news.
8. To My Regret
Scenario: Informing someone that their application was unsuccessful.
Example 1: “To my regret, we are unable to offer you a position at this time.”
Example 2: “To my regret, your application did not meet our requirements.”
Explanation: “To my regret” personalizes the disappointment and makes it clear that the decision was difficult or unfortunate.
9. Dishearteningly
Scenario: Announcing the failure of a crucial test.
Example 1: “Dishearteningly, the test results did not meet our expectations.”
Example 2: “Dishearteningly, we failed to reach the target for this quarter.”
Explanation: “Dishearteningly” conveys a deeper sense of emotional disappointment and frustration.
10. With Regret
Scenario: Informing a guest that the reservation cannot be honored.
Example 1: “With regret, we must inform you that your reservation cannot be honored.”
Example 2: “With regret, we are unable to accommodate your request.”
Explanation: “With regret” adds a formal and respectful tone to the expression of disappointment or apology.
11. Regrettably, We Have to
Scenario: Notifying employees of an unexpected policy change.
Example 1: “Regrettably, we have to implement a new policy affecting work hours.”
Example 2: “Regrettably, we have to reduce the team size due to budget cuts.”
Explanation: “Regrettably, we have to” communicates necessity with an added sense of apology for the change.
12. Unfortunately, We Must
Scenario: Informing clients of a delay in service.
Example 1: “Unfortunately, we must delay the service until next week.”
Example 2: “Unfortunately, we must reschedule your appointment due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Explanation: “Unfortunately, we must” conveys a necessity and regret over the unavoidable action or decision.
13. It’s Disappointing That
Scenario: Announcing a failed product launch.
Example 1: “It’s disappointing that the product launch did not go as planned.”
Example 2: “It’s disappointing that the new feature wasn’t as successful as we hoped.”
Explanation: “It’s disappointing that” expresses regret over the outcome and focuses on the result.
14. Regretfully
Scenario: Notifying participants of a canceled event.
Example 1: “Regretfully, the event scheduled for next week has been canceled.”
Example 2: “Regretfully, we cannot proceed with the planned event due to unforeseen issues.”
Explanation: “Regretfully” adds a formal tone to the expression of regret and is suitable for official communications.
15. Unfortunately, Due to
Scenario: Informing customers of a service disruption.
Example 1: “Unfortunately, due to maintenance, the service will be unavailable for a few hours.”
Example 2: “Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, we are experiencing delays.”
Explanation: “Unfortunately, due to” links the unfavorable outcome with the reason, providing clarity and context.
16. With Regret, We Must
Scenario: Announcing a necessary change in a project’s timeline.
Example 1: “With regret, we must extend the project deadline by two weeks.”
Example 2: “With regret, we must inform you that the launch date has been pushed back.”
Explanation: “With regret, we must” combines formality with a sense of regret about the necessary change.
17. It’s Unfortunate That
Scenario: Informing a team of a missed opportunity.
Example 1: “It’s unfortunate that we missed the chance to collaborate on this project.”
Example 2: “It’s unfortunate that the grant application was unsuccessful.”
Explanation: “It’s unfortunate that” expresses regret about a missed opportunity or unfavorable event.
18. Regrettably, We Have to Inform You
Scenario: Announcing an increase in fees.
Example 1: “Regrettably, we have to inform you that the service fees will be increasing next month.”
Example 2: “Regrettably, we have to inform you of the new policy changes affecting your subscription.”
Explanation: “Regrettably, we have to inform you” is a formal way to deliver unwelcome news with a sense of apology.
19. Unfortunately, We’re Facing
Scenario: Informing stakeholders of a delay in project delivery.
Example 1: “Unfortunately, we’re facing delays that will impact the project’s completion date.”
Example 2: “Unfortunately, we’re facing unforeseen challenges that are affecting our timeline.”
Explanation: “Unfortunately, we’re facing” emphasizes the challenges and delays in a direct and clear manner.
20. I’m Sorry to Say
Scenario: Letting someone know their application was rejected.
Example 1: “I’m sorry to say that your application was not selected for this round.”
Example 2: “I’m sorry to say we won’t be able to offer you the position at this time.”
Explanation: “I’m sorry to say” adds a personal and empathetic touch to the expression of disappointment.
21. It’s Regrettable That
Scenario: Informing a team about a budget cut.
Example 1: “It’s regrettable that we need to implement budget cuts affecting several projects.”
Example 2: “It’s regrettable that the budget constraints will impact our planned activities.”
Explanation: “It’s regrettable that” focuses on the impact and necessity of the unfortunate decision.
22. I Regret to Inform You
Scenario: Notifying an applicant about a rejection.
Example 1: “I regret to inform you that we have chosen another candidate for the position.”
Example 2: “I regret to inform you that your proposal was not selected for funding.”
Explanation: “I regret to inform you” is a formal and direct way to deliver disappointing news with a sense of sorrow.
23. It’s a Disappointment That
Scenario: Announcing the cancellation of a long-awaited event.
Example 1: “It’s a disappointment that the long-awaited event has been canceled.”
Example 2: “It’s a disappointment that we will not be able to hold the event as planned.”
Explanation: “It’s a disappointment that” conveys displeasure and sadness about the outcome.
24. Unfortunately, We Find
Scenario: Informing clients of a change in service terms.
Example 1: “Unfortunately, we find it necessary to revise the terms of service.”
Example 2: “Unfortunately, we find that we cannot accommodate the special request.”
Explanation: “Unfortunately, we find” highlights the decision and the unfortunate necessity behind it.
Other Ways to Say I’m Here for You
25. It’s Regrettable to Note
Scenario: Announcing a failure to meet a deadline.
Example 1: “It’s regrettable to note that we will not meet the original deadline.”
Example 2: “It’s regrettable to note that the milestone has been delayed.”
Explanation: “It’s regrettable to note” emphasizes the disappointment and formal tone of the announcement.
26. Sadly, We Must
Scenario: Informing about a reduction in services.
Example 1: “Sadly, we must reduce the number of services we offer due to budget constraints.”
Example 2: “Sadly, we must limit our support hours due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Explanation: “Sadly, we must” conveys regret and necessity in a formal context.
27. Unfortunately, We’re Unable to
Scenario: Notifying a customer that their request cannot be processed.
Example 1: “Unfortunately, we’re unable to process your request at this time.”
Example 2: “Unfortunately, we’re unable to fulfill your order due to stock issues.”
Explanation: “Unfortunately, we’re unable to” communicates inability to meet a request, highlighting the reason.
28. It’s Disheartening That
Scenario: Announcing the end of a long-standing project.
Example 1: “It’s disheartening that we have to end this project earlier than planned.”
Example 2: “It’s disheartening that our efforts did not lead to the desired outcome.”
Explanation: “It’s disheartening that” adds an emotional layer to the disappointment, emphasizing the impact.
29. With Regret, We Must Announce
Scenario: Informing about the discontinuation of a popular product.
Example 1: “With regret, we must announce the discontinuation of our popular product.”
Example 2: “With regret, we must announce that the product line will be ending.”
Explanation: “With regret, we must announce” combines formality with a sense of loss and regret.
30. Unfortunately, The Situation Is
Scenario: Letting a client know about a delay in service delivery.
Example 1: “Unfortunately, the situation is that we’re experiencing significant delays.”
Example 2: “Unfortunately, the situation is causing an extended wait time for our services.”
Explanation: “Unfortunately, the situation is” provides clarity about the current status and challenges.
Conclusion:
Finding the right way to convey unfortunate news can soften the impact and provide a thoughtful touch. Whether you choose “regrettably,” “sadly,” or “it’s disheartening,” these alternatives help communicate your message with empathy and respect.
Hi! I’m Ethan-Matthews, author of Grammar Glides. I create engaging content to make learning English grammar simple and enjoyable. Join me to master the nuances of the language with ease and confidence.
