33+ Other Ways to Say “Unfortunately”

Choosing the right words can transform everyday writing, allowing us to express our feelings in ways that truly resonate. The word “unfortunately” is often used to share disappointing news, but relying on it repeatedly can make messages feel impersonal.

By exploring thoughtful phrasing, you can convey your sentiments in a personal and meaningful way, adding a sense of warmth and empathy to your communication.

Whether crafting formal emails, essays, reports, or letters, the alternatives you select can significantly impact how your messages are received, showing care and consideration for the recipient and helping enhance your communication.

What Does “Unfortunately” Mean?

“Unfortunately” is an adverb used to express regret or disappointment about a situation. It signals that an outcome is unfavorable or contrary to expectations.

When to Use “Unfortunately”

Use it when sharing bad news, setbacks, or undesired outcomes in emails, reports, or conversations to clearly communicate the situation without ambiguity.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Unfortunately”?

Yes, it is generally professional and polite, but for a warmer or more nuanced tone, consider alternatives like “regrettably,” “I’m sorry to say,” or “sadly.”

1. Regrettably

Meaning: Expresses mild disappointment or sadness.
Definition: Indicates an unfortunate or undesirable outcome.
Tone: Thoughtful, polite.
Example: Regrettably, we must postpone the meeting.
Explanation: Softens bad news while maintaining professionalism.
Purpose and Personalization: Shows empathy; can be adapted for formal emails or personal letters.

2. Sadly

Meaning: Communicates sorrow or disappointment.
Definition: Highlights an unfortunate event or result.
Tone: Emotional, sincere.
Example: Sadly, the event has been canceled.
Explanation: Conveys personal empathy effectively.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for heartfelt messages; adjust intensity based on context.

3. I’m sorry to say

Meaning: Offers a personal expression of regret.
Definition: Introduces unfavorable news politely.
Tone: Compassionate, considerate.
Example: I’m sorry to say we cannot approve your request.
Explanation: Adds warmth and personal connection to communication.
Purpose and Personalization: Makes messages more relatable; ideal for emails and letters.

4. It’s unfortunate that

Meaning: States disappointment objectively.
Definition: Highlights an undesired situation neutrally.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
Example: It’s unfortunate that the project was delayed.
Explanation: Maintains professional distance while acknowledging the issue.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful in reports; can be softened with additional empathetic phrases.

5. I regret to inform you

Meaning: Formally conveys regret for bad news.
Definition: Standard phrase for communicating negative outcomes.
Tone: Professional, serious.
Example: I regret to inform you that your application was not successful.
Explanation: Establishes professionalism while being respectful.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for official correspondence; add personal touch by addressing the recipient directly.

6. It is with a heavy heart

Meaning: Shows deep sadness or personal disappointment.
Definition: Expresses significant emotional weight about news.
Tone: Emotional, sincere.
Example: It is with a heavy heart that we announce the office closure.
Explanation: Signals that the writer truly empathizes with the recipient.
Purpose and Personalization: Use for sensitive or impactful messages; adjust formality as needed.

7. Unfortunately, it appears that

Meaning: Introduces an undesired outcome with cautious tone.
Definition: Politely frames a negative observation or result.
Tone: Thoughtful, professional.
Example: Unfortunately, it appears that the shipment will be delayed.
Explanation: Balances clarity with tact.
Purpose and Personalization: Helps maintain professionalism while softening negative news; adjust based on audience.

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8. Disappointingly

Meaning: Signals letdown or dissatisfaction.
Definition: Describes an outcome that fails expectations.
Tone: Direct yet polite.
Example: Disappointingly, the event did not attract many attendees.
Explanation: Conveys dissatisfaction without harshness.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for reviews or updates; can be softened with empathetic phrases.

9. Unfortunately, we have no choice

Meaning: Expresses unavoidable circumstances.
Definition: Indicates a decision made out of necessity.
Tone: Diplomatic, serious.
Example: Unfortunately, we have no choice but to cancel the order.
Explanation: Provides clarity while maintaining politeness.
Purpose and Personalization: Highlights necessity; can be softened with apologies or alternative solutions.

10. It’s a pity that

Meaning: Notes minor disappointment.
Definition: Highlights regret over an undesired outcome.
Tone: Gentle, sympathetic.
Example: It’s a pity that you couldn’t join us.
Explanation: Softens disappointment and shows care.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for personal notes; adjust tone for casual or formal settings.

11. Regretfully

Meaning: Shows formal acknowledgment of bad news.
Definition: Synonym of “unfortunately” with formal tone.
Tone: Polite, professional.
Example: Regretfully, we cannot extend your deadline.
Explanation: Maintains professional decorum while expressing regret.
Purpose and Personalization: Perfect for official communications; can be softened with additional empathetic language.

12. Alas

Meaning: Expresses sorrow or lamentation.
Definition: Literary or formal expression of misfortune.
Tone: Slightly dramatic, reflective.
Example: Alas, the proposal was rejected.
Explanation: Adds stylistic flair while signaling disappointment.
Purpose and Personalization: Use in creative or reflective writing; less suited for formal emails.

13. I regret

Meaning: Conveys personal responsibility or sympathy.
Definition: States remorse about an outcome or action.
Tone: Sincere, thoughtful.
Example: I regret that we cannot meet your request.
Explanation: Highlights accountability and care.
Purpose and Personalization: Works in professional or personal contexts; tone can be formal or casual.

14. It’s a shame that

Meaning: Expresses mild disappointment.
Definition: Recognizes an unfortunate circumstance politely.
Tone: Casual, empathetic.
Example: It’s a shame that the weather ruined our plans.
Explanation: Adds personal touch without overemphasizing negativity.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for informal or semi-formal writing; tone can be adjusted for warmth.

15. I’m afraid that

Meaning: Politely introduces bad news.
Definition: Softens the impact of an unfavorable message.
Tone: Polite, cautious.
Example: I’m afraid that your request cannot be processed.
Explanation: Shows consideration for the recipient’s feelings.
Purpose and Personalization: Common in professional emails; adjust formality based on relationship.

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16. Unfortunately, circumstances prevent

Meaning: Explains unavoidable negative outcomes.
Definition: Shows external factors cause the issue.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
Example: Unfortunately, circumstances prevent us from offering a refund.
Explanation: Keeps tone neutral and fact-based.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful in business contexts; add empathetic wording for warmer tone.

17. To my regret

Meaning: Expresses personal disappointment.
Definition: Indicates that the writer feels sorrow over an outcome.
Tone: Reflective, sincere.
Example: To my regret, I must decline your invitation.
Explanation: Adds authenticity and accountability.
Purpose and Personalization: Use in letters or messages where personal sentiment matters; can be formal or casual.

18. It grieves me to say

Meaning: Shares deep personal sorrow.
Definition: Emphasizes emotional weight in communication.
Tone: Sincere, heartfelt.
Example: It grieves me to say that we lost the contract.
Explanation: Strongly conveys empathy and regret.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for sensitive announcements; tone is highly formal or emotional.

19. Unluckily

Meaning: Highlights bad luck or misfortune.
Definition: Describes an unfavorable situation beyond control.
Tone: Neutral, slightly casual.
Example: Unluckily, the delivery was delayed.
Explanation: Attributes outcome to chance rather than fault.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful for informal updates; combine with empathetic phrasing for warmth.

20. Regret in informing

Meaning: Announces disappointing news formally.
Definition: Synonym for “I regret to inform you.”
Tone: Professional, formal.
Example: We regret informing you that the position has been filled.
Explanation: Maintains decorum while delivering negative news.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for HR or business communications; personalize with recipient’s name.

21. It pains me to say

Meaning: Conveys emotional difficulty in sharing news.
Definition: Expresses discomfort or regret about bad news.
Tone: Sincere, emotional.
Example: It pains me to say we cannot support your proposal.
Explanation: Highlights genuine concern for the recipient.
Purpose and Personalization: Works for sensitive messages; tone can be softened or heightened as needed.

22. Unfortunately, we regret

Meaning: Combines formal apology with acknowledgment of an issue.
Definition: Indicates an official expression of regret.
Tone: Professional, respectful.
Example: Unfortunately, we regret that your application was unsuccessful.
Explanation: Balances clarity and empathy.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for formal notifications; personalize for a human touch.

23. Lamentably

Meaning: Indicates sorrow or regret in a formal style.
Definition: Highlights a misfortunate outcome.
Tone: Formal, reflective.
Example: Lamentably, the meeting had to be canceled.
Explanation: Adds elegance and seriousness.
Purpose and Personalization: Best for formal writing or announcements; less suitable for casual notes.

24. I feel bad to say

Meaning: Expresses personal regret.
Definition: Softens delivery of negative news.
Tone: Casual, empathetic.
Example: I feel bad to say we missed the deadline.
Explanation: Creates a friendly, relatable tone.
Purpose and Personalization: Perfect for emails or messages to colleagues; adjust for formality.

25. I hate to say

Meaning: Introduces news reluctantly.
Definition: Shows reluctance in sharing disappointment.
Tone: Informal, sincere.
Example: I hate to say we lost the match.
Explanation: Emphasizes personal disappointment while keeping tone light.
Purpose and Personalization: Great for casual or semi-formal contexts; tone can be playful or serious.

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26. It’s regrettable that

Meaning: States that a situation is undesirable.
Definition: Notes an unfortunate circumstance formally.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
Example: It’s regrettable that the contract was not approved.
Explanation: Maintains formality while signaling awareness.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for business or academic writing; can be softened for empathy.

27. Unfortunately, due to

Meaning: Explains negative outcomes linked to specific reasons.
Definition: Connects cause with regretful result.
Tone: Professional, factual.
Example: Unfortunately, due to staffing shortages, the office will close early.
Explanation: Provides clarity and accountability.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful in formal communication; can add empathy for warmth.

28. I must inform you with regret

Meaning: Formally announces disappointing news.
Definition: Conveys negative outcomes respectfully.
Tone: Formal, courteous.
Example: I must inform you with regret that your request cannot be processed.
Explanation: Establishes professionalism and politeness.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for HR or official emails; personalize with names or context.

29. I regret having to say

Meaning: Introduces bad news with personal responsibility.
Definition: Expresses sorrow in delivering unfavorable outcomes.
Tone: Thoughtful, formal.
Example: I regret having to say we cannot proceed with the plan.
Explanation: Adds a considerate touch to difficult messages.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for formal letters; can be softened for casual communication.

30. Unfortunately, it’s impossible

Meaning: States an unavoidable negative outcome clearly.
Definition: Communicates impossibility respectfully.
Tone: Firm, polite.
Example: Unfortunately, it’s impossible to meet the revised deadline.
Explanation: Maintains clarity while softening the impact.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful in professional emails; combine with empathy for tact.

31. Sadly enough

Meaning: Emphasizes an unfortunate reality.
Definition: Highlights disappointment with mild emphasis.
Tone: Casual, reflective.
Example: Sadly enough, the tickets sold out too quickly.
Explanation: Adds nuance and personality to messaging.
Purpose and Personalization: Suitable for conversational writing; tone can be adjusted for formality.

32. With regret

Meaning: Announce negative news politely.
Definition: Formal expression of sorrow or disappointment.
Tone: Polite, professional.
Example: With regret, we inform you of the canceled event.
Explanation: Maintains decorum while showing empathy.
Purpose and Personalization: Ideal for formal letters; add personal touches for warmth.

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33. I’m disappointed to say

Meaning: Expresses personal dissatisfaction.
Definition: Shares an unfavorable outcome politely.
Tone: Honest, empathetic.
Example: I’m disappointed to say the report was incomplete.
Explanation: Communicates personal feelings while remaining professional.
Purpose and Personalization: Can be used in workplace communication; tone adjusted for friendliness or formality.

34. It’s unfortunate news

Meaning: Announce bad news directly.
Definition: A straightforward acknowledgment of an undesirable outcome.
Tone: Neutral, clear.
Example: It’s unfortunate news that the shipment was delayed.
Explanation: Provides clarity without unnecessary elaboration.
Purpose and Personalization: Useful for neutral professional updates; combine with empathetic phrasing for warmth.

35. Regrettably, we must

Meaning: Introduces obligatory negative action.
Definition: Expresses necessity while showing regret.
Tone: Professional, respectful.
Example: Regrettably, we must decline your proposal.
Explanation: Balances firmness and empathy.
Purpose and Personalization: Perfect for formal communications; personalize to soften impact.

Conclusion

Choosing professional alternatives to say “unfortunately” empowers you to craft messages with clarity, empathy, and thoughtfulness. By selecting the right words, you can enhance your communication and convey your sentiments in a personal and meaningful way, whether in academic papers, blog posts, formal emails, or personal letters.

Thoughtful language allows your messages to be received with care and consideration, creating a stronger connection with your recipient. I encourage you to experiment with these phrases, adding your unique voice, and watch how even small word choices can significantly impact the warmth and effectiveness of your writing.