French Conversation · Level 119
60 words
French word
regrettable
Pronunciation
IPA/ʁəgʁɛtabl/
Meaning
- adjectiveunfortunate
Example
C'est regrettable.
That's unfortunate.
More examples
Un tel comportement est regrettable.
Such behavior is regrettable.
Core concept
An outcome carrying a clear sense of loss, disappointment, or missed opportunity.
Common phrases
C'est regrettable
It's regrettable
un acte regrettable
a regrettable act
Similar words
décevant: Causing disappointment by failing to meet expectations.
malheureux: Unfortunate because bad luck or difficult circumstances are involved.
fâcheux: Troublesome or inconvenient in a regrettable way.
Definition in French
S'emploie pour qualifier un événement ou un résultat qui provoque de la déception ou du regret chez quelqu'un.
Word origin
French built regrettable from regretter by adding -able, giving the adjective the sense of something worthy of regret.
Usage tips
- Regrettable is more formal than décevant and often appears in the set phrase C'est regrettable for restrained criticism.