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regrettable

A2 adjective 11 min read

regrettable

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips regrettable in 30 Seconds

Explanation regrettable in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to express feelings about things. You probably know 'C'est dommage' (It's a shame). 'Regrettable' is like a fancy version of that. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'C'est regrettable' when something goes wrong, like losing your pen or missing a bus. It's an easy word to learn because it looks like the English word 'regrettable.' Just remember that in French, we don't change the ending for a boy or a girl because it already ends in 'e.' You can use it to show you are a bit more serious about your regret. For example, if you can't go to a party, you can say 'C'est regrettable.' It sounds very polite! At this stage, don't worry about the complex grammar that sometimes follows it. Just focus on using it as a simple description for bad situations. It's a great 'power word' to make your French sound more advanced than it actually is.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'regrettable' to describe specific things. You can say 'une erreur regrettable' (a regrettable error) or 'un incident regrettable' (a regrettable incident). You are learning how to put adjectives after nouns, and 'regrettable' fits perfectly there. You might also start using it with 'Il est...' to make a general statement: 'Il est regrettable de perdre.' This is a bit more formal than A1. You should also notice that 'regrettable' is used when something is a bit more serious than just 'dommage.' If you forget your homework, it's 'dommage.' If you forget to go to a job interview, it's 'regrettable.' You are starting to see the difference between simple mistakes and more serious ones. Practice using it in short sentences to describe problems you encounter in your daily life or in your French studies.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'regrettable' in the impersonal construction 'Il est regrettable que...' This is where things get interesting because this phrase usually requires the subjunctive mood. For example: 'Il est regrettable qu'il pleuve' (It is regrettable that it's raining). Even though 'pleuve' is subjunctive, the meaning is clear. You are now using the word to express opinions and feelings about more complex situations. You can also use it to qualify abstract concepts like 'un manque de communication regrettable' (a regrettable lack of communication). At B1, you are expected to handle these longer sentences and connect ideas. You can also start comparing 'regrettable' with synonyms like 'fâcheux' or 'malheureux' to show you understand different shades of meaning. You might use it in a letter of complaint or a formal email to sound more professional and precise.

At the B2 level, 'regrettable' becomes a tool for nuance and social positioning. You understand that using 'regrettable' in a professional setting allows you to acknowledge a problem without necessarily taking personal blame—it's the language of diplomacy. You can use it to describe the consequences of actions: 'Les conséquences sont regrettables pour l'entreprise.' You are also aware of the adverbial form 'regrettablement,' though you know that 'malheureusement' is often more natural. You can use 'regrettable' in debates to critique an opponent's point of view politely: 'Il est regrettable que vous ne preniez pas en compte cet argument.' This shows a high level of control over the tone of your speech. You are also able to distinguish it clearly from 'déplorable' (which is much stronger) and 'fâcheux' (which is more about annoyance). Your use of the subjunctive after 'regrettable que' should be consistent and accurate.

At the C1 level, you use 'regrettable' with stylistic flair. You might use it in academic writing or high-level journalism to provide a sober critique of historical or social events. You understand its place in the 'langue de bois' and can use it ironically or to create a specific rhetorical effect. You might pair it with sophisticated adverbs: 'hautement regrettable,' 'profondément regrettable,' or 'particulièrement regrettable.' You are also aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to the verb 'regretter' and the noun 'regret.' You can use it in complex sentence structures, perhaps including it in a parenthetical remark: 'Cette décision, bien que regrettable sur le plan humain, était nécessaire économiquement.' Your mastery of the word allows you to navigate the most formal French environments with ease, choosing 'regrettable' precisely when 'malencontreux' or 'désolant' wouldn't quite hit the right note.

At the C2 level, 'regrettable' is just one small part of your vast linguistic arsenal. You use it with total precision, often in literary or philosophical contexts. You might explore the 'regrettable' nature of the human condition or use the word in a way that evokes 17th-century classical French literature, where the expression of regret was a highly stylized art form. You can detect the subtle difference between 'un fait regrettable' and 'une circonstance regrettable' in a legal or philosophical text. You are also capable of using the word to create subtle understatements (litotes) for dramatic or comedic effect. Your understanding of the word is not just about its definition, but about its history, its cultural weight in French society, and its ability to convey a specific type of detached, intellectual sorrow. You can effortlessly switch between its standard use and its more obscure, high-register applications in specialized fields.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

regrettable in 30 Seconds

Regrettable means 'unfortunate' or 'sad' in a formal way.
It is used for events or actions, not usually for people's character.
The spelling is the same for masculine and feminine forms in French.
In the phrase 'Il est regrettable que...', you must use the subjunctive mood.

The French word regrettable is an adjective that translates directly to the English 'regrettable.' At its core, it describes a situation, an event, or an action that causes sorrow, disappointment, or disapproval. Unlike some words that shift meaning significantly between languages, regrettable maintains a high degree of cognate stability, making it an excellent addition to an A2 learner's vocabulary. It is primarily used to qualify things that should not have happened or outcomes that are less than ideal. In the hierarchy of French emotions, it sits comfortably between 'dommage' (too bad) and 'déplorable' (deplorable), offering a polite yet firm way to express that a situation is unfortunate.

Formal Context: In professional correspondence, 'regrettable' is used to acknowledge errors or delays without necessarily taking full personal blame, focusing instead on the nature of the event itself.

C'est un incident regrettable qui ne se reproduira plus.

When do people use it? You will hear it in the news when a spokesperson discusses a diplomatic blunder, in a restaurant if a waiter spills wine on a guest, or in a classroom when a student misses an important exam due to a technicality. It is a word of reflection. It implies that if we could turn back time, we would choose a different path. However, it is important to note that 'regrettable' is almost always applied to circumstances or actions, rarely to people themselves. You wouldn't call a person 'un homme regrettable' unless you meant his existence is a mistake, which is quite harsh; instead, you would say his behavior was regrettable.

Emotional Weight: It conveys a sense of missed opportunity or a mistake that leaves a lingering bad taste, but it remains polite enough for social use.

Il est regrettable que la réunion soit annulée.

The word is versatile because it can act as a simple attribute or as part of an impersonal construction. When you say 'Il est regrettable que...', you are setting up a subordinate clause that often requires the subjunctive mood, which is a key milestone in moving from A2 to B1 proficiency. This grammatical requirement adds a layer of sophistication to your speech. Even if you aren't perfect with the subjunctive yet, using the word 'regrettable' shows you understand the nuances of expressing regret in a structured, French way.

Social Nuance: Using 'regrettable' instead of 'triste' (sad) makes the speaker sound more analytical and less purely emotional.

Une erreur regrettable a été commise dans le rapport.

Son absence est vraiment regrettable pour l'équipe.

C'est une situation regrettable pour tout le monde.

Using 'regrettable' effectively involves understanding its placement and the grammatical structures it triggers. As an adjective, it usually follows the noun it modifies or follows the verb 'être'. For example, 'une décision regrettable' (a regrettable decision). The word does not change between masculine and feminine forms because it already ends in an 'e'. In the plural, you simply add an 's': 'des conséquences regrettables'. This simplicity is a relief for learners who struggle with complex adjective agreements.

The Impersonal Structure: 'Il est regrettable que' is a classic construction used to introduce a fact that the speaker finds unfortunate. This structure is a hallmark of formal French.

Il est regrettable que vous ayez perdu vos clés.

When using 'regrettable' to describe a specific event, it often pairs with nouns like 'erreur', 'incident', 'accident', or 'oubli'. These combinations help pinpoint exactly what is being lamented. For instance, 'un oubli regrettable' (a regrettable oversight) is a very common phrase in administrative settings. It allows the speaker to acknowledge that something was forgotten without sounding overly emotional or defensive. It frames the mistake as an unfortunate objective fact.

Comparison with 'Dommage': While 'C'est dommage' is used for missing a bus, 'C'est regrettable' is used for missing a bus that leads to missing your own wedding.

C'est tout à fait regrettable, mais nous ne pouvons rien faire.

In spoken French, you might hear 'C'est vraiment regrettable' used to soften a 'no' or to show empathy. If a store is out of the item you want, the clerk might say, 'C'est regrettable, nous n'en avons plus en stock.' This sounds more professional and sincere than a simple 'on n'en a plus.' It shows that the speaker recognizes the inconvenience caused to you. By mastering this word, you elevate your level of politeness and your ability to navigate social friction with grace.

Adverbial Link: The adverbial form 'regrettablement' exists but is much less common than 'malheureusement'. Stick to the adjective for natural-sounding speech.

Une confusion regrettable s'est produite lors de la commande.

Le manque de communication est regrettable dans ce projet.

To truly master 'regrettable', you need to know the specific environments where it thrives. It is a staple of the 'langue de bois' (political jargon) and corporate speak. When a CEO has to announce layoffs, or a politician has to address a scandal, 'regrettable' is the go-to word because it acknowledges the negative impact without necessarily admitting legal liability. It functions as a linguistic shock absorber. You will find it in newspapers like Le Monde or Le Figaro, particularly in the 'Opinion' or 'International' sections where columnists lament the state of the world.

News Media: Journalists use 'regrettable' to describe diplomatic tensions or economic downturns that could have been avoided.

Le ministre a qualifié cet incident de regrettable.

In everyday life, you'll hear it in high-end service environments. If a reservation at a fancy Parisian bistro is lost, the maître d' will likely use 'regrettable' to express their professional sorrow. It’s also common in educational settings. A teacher might tell a parent that their child's lack of effort is 'regrettable'—a way of saying it's a shame because the child has potential. This usage highlights the 'missed opportunity' aspect of the word. It isn't just that something bad happened; it's that something better should have happened.

Literature and Arts: In novels, characters often reflect on 'regrettable' choices made in their youth, emphasizing the passage of time and the permanence of mistakes.

Il est regrettable que nous ayons perdu contact.

Finally, you will encounter 'regrettable' in historical documentaries. Historians use it to describe tactical errors in battles or failed treaties. Because it implies a judgment after the fact, it is the perfect word for historical analysis. It allows the speaker to maintain a distance while still providing a critique of the events. Whether you are watching a debate on TV or reading a letter from a French friend apologizing for missing your birthday, 'regrettable' provides the necessary linguistic bridge between simple sadness and formal critique.

Customer Support: Standard emails often start with 'C'est avec un regret sincère que nous notons cet incident regrettable...'

Une erreur technique regrettable a effacé vos données.

C'est un choix regrettable mais nécessaire.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 'regrettable' is confusing it with 'regretté'. While they look similar, 'regretté' is the past participle of the verb 'regretter' and is often used as an adjective to mean 'late' or 'deceased' (e.g., 'mon regretté grand-père' - my late grandfather) or simply 'missed.' If you say 'un incident regretté', it sounds like the incident is missed or longed for, which is the opposite of what you mean! Always stick to 'regrettable' when you want to describe something that is unfortunate or worthy of regret.

Grammar Trap: Forgetting the subjunctive after 'Il est regrettable que'. This is the most common high-level error.

Faux: Il est regrettable qu'il est (indicative) parti. Correct: ...qu'il soit (subjunctive) parti.

Another error is using 'regrettable' to describe a person's character in a way that sounds like English 'pathetic' or 'sorry.' In French, calling someone 'un homme regrettable' is very rare and sounds extremely formal or literary, almost like you are saying his whole life is a mistake. If you want to say someone is a 'sorry excuse for a man,' French has other idioms. Use 'regrettable' for actions, situations, and results. Also, watch out for the spelling; even though it's a cognate, some learners forget the 'e' at the end in the masculine form, thinking French adjectives must change. Remember: '-able' adjectives are the same for both genders!

Preposition Pitfall: Learners often try to say 'regrettable pour' when they should use 'regrettable de' before an infinitive.

Il est regrettable d'avoir oublié l'invitation.

Finally, be careful with the intensity. 'Regrettable' is stronger than 'ennuyeux' (annoying) but weaker than 'catastrophique'. If a building burns down, calling it 'regrettable' would be a massive understatement (unless you are being incredibly sarcastic). Conversely, if you drop your pencil, calling it 'regrettable' is overly dramatic. Finding the right 'middle ground' for this word is key to sounding like a natural speaker. Use it for mid-sized blunders: a missed meeting, a misunderstood instruction, or a social faux pas.

Pronunciation: Avoid the English 're-GRE-table' stress. In French, the stress is even, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable '-able'.

C'est une erreur regrettable de jugement.

Le retard est regrettable mais indépendant de notre volonté.

To broaden your vocabulary, it’s helpful to look at synonyms for 'regrettable' and see how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is malheureux. While 'malheureux' often means 'unhappy' when describing a person, when describing an event (un événement malheureux), it means 'unfortunate.' It is slightly more common in daily speech than 'regrettable.' Another strong synonym is fâcheux. This word specifically implies that the situation is not only regrettable but also annoying or troublesome. It’s a very 'French' word to use when something has gone wrong and caused a headache.

Regrettable vs. Déplorable: 'Déplorable' is much stronger. If something is 'regrettable', we wish it didn't happen. If it's 'déplorable', we are disgusted that it happened.

C'est un contretemps fâcheux pour notre projet.

For a more formal or literary tone, you might use désolant. This comes from 'désolé' (sorry) and describes something that is truly saddening or distressing. If you say 'C'est un spectacle désolant,' you are describing something that is pitiful to watch. On the other hand, if you want to sound very precise about a mistake, use malencontreux. This word specifically means 'untimely' or 'unlucky.' It’s the perfect word for when you accidentally hit 'reply all' on an email—it was a 'geste malencontreux.'

Regrettable vs. Triste: 'Triste' is emotional and personal. 'Regrettable' is logical and situational.

Une erreur malencontreuse a tout gâché.

If you are looking for antonyms, think of words like souhaitable (desirable), heureux (happy/fortunate), or réjouissant (joyful). If a situation is 'souhaitable,' it is something we want to happen. In a professional report, you might contrast a 'regrettable' outcome with a 'résultat souhaitable.' Understanding these pairings helps you build a more balanced and nuanced way of expressing opinions in French, moving beyond simple 'good' and 'bad' labels.

Summary Table: Regrettable = Unfortunate. Fâcheux = Annoying. Déplorable = Shocking. Malencontreux = Accidental.

C'est une nouvelle réjouissante après tant de problèmes.

Il est souhaitable que tout le monde participe.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root of 'regretter' might actually be Germanic (Gothic 'grētan'), meaning 'to weep'. So, when you say something is 'regrettable', you are literally saying it is 'worthy of weeping'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁə.ɡʁɛ.tabl/

US /rə.ɡrɛ.tɑbl/

French words have even stress, but the final syllable '-able' is slightly more emphasized in natural speech.

Rhymes With

table capable agréable véritable coupable stable aimable notable

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' like an English 'd'.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable 'gret'.
Making the final 'e' a long 'ay' sound.
Using an American 'r' sound.
Forgetting to pronounce the 'l' at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it is a cognate with English.

Writing 3/5

Requires memory of the double 't' and the subjunctive trigger.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of the French 'r' and 't' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, usually articulated well in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

regret être dommage erreur triste

Learn Next

déplorable fâcheux malencontreux subjunctive mood constater

Advanced

désolant navrant fâcheusement regrettablement

Grammar to Know

The Subjunctive after expressions of emotion/judgment.

Il est regrettable que tu *sois* (subjunctive) là.

Adjective agreement (same for masculine/feminine).

Un incident regrettable / Une erreur regrettable.

Placement of adjectives (usually after the noun).

Une conséquence regrettable.

Impersonal construction with 'Il est'.

Il est regrettable de voir cela.

Pluralization of adjectives ending in 'e'.

Des faits regrettables (add 's').

Examples by Level

C'est regrettable.

It is regrettable.

Simple subject + verb 'être' + adjective.

C'est un peu regrettable.

It is a bit regrettable.

Adding 'un peu' to moderate the adjective.

Oh non, c'est regrettable !

Oh no, it's regrettable!

Using 'regrettable' as an exclamation.

C'est vraiment regrettable.

It is truly regrettable.

Using 'vraiment' for emphasis.

C'est regrettable pour toi.

It is regrettable for you.

Using 'pour' to show who is affected.

Pas de café ? C'est regrettable.

No coffee? It's regrettable.

Contextual usage in a simple dialogue.

C'est regrettable, mais c'est la vie.

It's regrettable, but that's life.

Combining two common phrases.

C'est regrettable, je suis désolé.

It's regrettable, I am sorry.

Using it alongside a direct apology.

C'est une erreur regrettable.

It's a regrettable mistake.

Adjective modifying a feminine noun; no change in form.

L'incident est regrettable.

The incident is regrettable.

Adjective modifying a masculine noun.

Il est regrettable de partir si tôt.

It is regrettable to leave so early.

Impersonal construction 'Il est + adj + de + infinitive'.

Ce sont des choix regrettables.

These are regrettable choices.

Plural agreement: add an 's'.

Votre absence est regrettable.

Your absence is regrettable.

Adjective modifying a feminine noun.

C'est un oubli regrettable.

It's a regrettable oversight.

Common collocation 'oubli regrettable'.

Le résultat est regrettable.

The result is regrettable.

Standard subject-verb-adjective structure.

Une situation regrettable s'est produite.

A regrettable situation occurred.

Using the reflexive verb 'se produire'.

Il est regrettable que vous ne puissiez pas venir.

It is regrettable that you cannot come.

Triggers the subjunctive 'puissiez'.

C'est une décision regrettable pour l'avenir.

It's a regrettable decision for the future.

Using a prepositional phrase to add detail.

Je trouve cette situation tout à fait regrettable.

I find this situation completely regrettable.

Using 'trouver' to express an opinion.

Il est regrettable que le projet soit arrêté.

It is regrettable that the project is being stopped.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'regrettable que'.

Un manque de temps regrettable a causé cet échec.

A regrettable lack of time caused this failure.

Using the adjective to explain a cause.

Il serait regrettable de gâcher cette chance.

It would be regrettable to waste this chance.

Conditional mood 'serait' for hypothetical regret.

Cette confusion est regrettable pour nous tous.

This confusion is regrettable for all of us.

Abstract noun 'confusion' as subject.

Il est regrettable qu'il n'ait pas écouté nos conseils.

It is regrettable that he didn't listen to our advice.

Past subjunctive 'ait écouté'.

Le ministre a qualifié l'incident de regrettable.

The minister described the incident as regrettable.

Structure 'qualifier quelque chose de + adjective'.

Il est regrettable que la communication ait fait défaut.

It is regrettable that communication was lacking.

Using the idiom 'faire défaut' in the subjunctive.

Cette polémique est regrettable pour l'image de la ville.

This controversy is regrettable for the city's image.

Focusing on the impact on 'image'.

Bien que regrettable, cette mesure est indispensable.

Although regrettable, this measure is essential.

Concession using 'bien que' (implied 'elle soit').

Il est regrettable que nous n'ayons pas pu trouver d'accord.

It is regrettable that we were not able to find an agreement.

Negative past subjunctive.

C'est un recul regrettable pour les droits de l'homme.

It's a regrettable step back for human rights.

Stronger social/political context.

Il est regrettable de constater un tel désordre.

It is regrettable to observe such a mess.

Formal verb 'constater' after the impersonal structure.

Cette erreur, bien que regrettable, n'est pas fatale.

This error, although regrettable, is not fatal.

Using parenthetical commas for nuance.

Il est profondément regrettable que la diplomatie ait échoué.

It is deeply regrettable that diplomacy has failed.

Adding the adverb 'profondément' for intensity.

Une telle négligence est regrettable dans ce contexte.

Such negligence is regrettable in this context.

Using 'une telle' for emphasis on the noun.

Il est regrettable que l'on n'ait pas pris de précautions.

It is regrettable that precautions were not taken.

Impersonal 'on' in the subjunctive clause.

Cet acte est regrettable à plus d'un titre.

This act is regrettable for more than one reason.

Idiom 'à plus d'un titre' (in more ways than one).

Il serait regrettable que ce talent soit gaspillé.

It would be regrettable if this talent were wasted.

Passive subjunctive 'soit gaspillé'.

C'est un oubli regrettable qui entache sa réputation.

It's a regrettable oversight that stains his reputation.

Using 'entacher' (to stain/tarnish).

Il est regrettable de voir une telle indifférence.

It is regrettable to see such indifference.

Abstract moral judgment.

Le manque de rigueur est regrettable pour la recherche.

The lack of rigor is regrettable for the research.

Formal academic context.

L'aspect regrettable de cette affaire réside dans son opacité.

The regrettable aspect of this matter lies in its opacity.

Using 'résider dans' for a formal explanation.

Il est regrettable que la raison doive céder à la passion.

It is regrettable that reason must yield to passion.

Philosophical context; subjunctive 'doive'.

Ce choix, si regrettable soit-il, demeure souverain.

This choice, however regrettable it may be, remains sovereign.

Advanced concession structure 'si + adj + soit-il'.

Il est regrettable de constater l'étroitesses de ces vues.

It is regrettable to note the narrowness of these views.

Critiquing an intellectual perspective.

Une issue aussi regrettable n'était nullement inévitable.

Such a regrettable outcome was by no means inevitable.

Double negation for emphasis ('nullement inévitable').

Il est hautement regrettable que l'éthique soit ainsi bafouée.

It is highly regrettable that ethics are thus flouted.

Using 'hautement' and the verb 'bafouer'.

Le caractère regrettable de l'événement n'échappe à personne.

The regrettable nature of the event escapes no one.

Using 'n'échapper à personne' to denote obviousness.

Il est regrettable que la postérité ne retienne que ses fautes.

It is regrettable that posterity only remembers his faults.

Subjunctive 'retienne' in a historical context.

Common Collocations

erreur regrettable

incident regrettable

oubli regrettable

choix regrettable

situation regrettable

conséquence regrettable

manque regrettable

comportement regrettable

retard regrettable

incident diplomatique regrettable

Common Phrases

Il est regrettable que...

— It is unfortunate that... (requires subjunctive).

Il est regrettable que tu sois malade.

C'est tout à fait regrettable.

— It is completely regrettable.

C'est tout à fait regrettable, mais c'est ainsi.

Qualifié de regrettable.

— Described as regrettable.

L'acte a été qualifié de regrettable par la presse.

Rien de plus regrettable.

— Nothing more regrettable.

Il n'y a rien de plus regrettable qu'une amitié perdue.

Profondément regrettable.

— Deeply regrettable.

C'est profondément regrettable pour nous tous.

Si regrettable soit-il.

— However regrettable it may be.

Ce fait, si regrettable soit-il, est vrai.

Un aspect regrettable.

— A regrettable aspect.

C'est l'aspect regrettable de ce métier.

Il serait regrettable de...

— It would be regrettable to...

Il serait regrettable de ne pas essayer.

Une fin regrettable.

— A regrettable end.

C'est une fin regrettable pour ce grand film.

Particulièrement regrettable.

— Particularly regrettable.

C'est particulièrement regrettable dans ce cas précis.

Often Confused With

regrettable vs regretté

Means 'late' or 'deceased'. Don't say 'mon regrettable grand-père'!

regrettable vs dommage

A noun used as an exclamation. 'Regrettable' is an adjective.

regrettable vs désolé

An adjective used for people ('I am sorry'). 'Regrettable' is for situations.

Idioms & Expressions

"C'est la fin des haricots (regrettable context)"

— It's the end of the line (used when things are regrettable and hopeless).

Si on perd ce contrat, c'est la fin des haricots.

informal

"Boire le calice jusqu'à la lie"

— To suffer a regrettable situation to the very end.

L'équipe a dû boire le calice jusqu'à la lie.

literary

"Tourner au vinaigre"

— To take a regrettable turn for the worse.

La fête a tourné au vinaigre.

informal

"Tomber mal"

— To happen at a regrettable time.

Cette pluie tombe mal pour notre pique-nique.

neutral

"Avoir le cœur gros"

— To be full of regret or sadness.

Il a le cœur gros après cet incident.

neutral

"Manger son pain noir"

— To go through a regrettable/difficult period.

Nous mangeons notre pain noir en ce moment.

neutral

"C'est un coup dur"

— It's a regrettable blow/setback.

Sa démission est un coup dur pour nous.

neutral

"Être dans de beaux draps"

— To be in a regrettable mess/situation.

Sans argent, nous sommes dans de beaux draps.

informal

"La goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase"

— The final regrettable straw.

Cet oubli est la goutte d'eau qui fait déborder le vase.

neutral

"Se mordre les doigts"

— To deeply regret something.

Il se mord les doigts d'avoir vendu sa voiture.

neutral

Easily Confused

regrettable vs regretté

Similar appearance and root.

Regretté is a past participle used for deceased people or things missed; regrettable is an adjective for unfortunate situations.

Mon regretté oncle (my late uncle) vs Une erreur regrettable (a regrettable mistake).

regrettable vs déplorable

Both describe bad situations.

Déplorable is much stronger and implies moral failure or extreme poor quality; regrettable is more about misfortune.

Une attitude déplorable (shameful attitude) vs Un incident regrettable (unfortunate incident).

regrettable vs fâcheux

Synonyms in formal contexts.

Fâcheux adds a layer of 'annoying' or 'unpleasant' to the regret.

Un contretemps fâcheux (an annoying delay).

regrettable vs malheureux

Both translate to 'unfortunate'.

Malheureux is more versatile and can describe a person's emotional state; regrettable cannot.

Il est malheureux (he is unhappy) vs C'est regrettable (it is unfortunate).

regrettable vs désolant

Both express sadness about a fact.

Désolant implies a stronger sense of being 'distressing' or 'pitiful'.

C'est désolant de voir ce gâchis (it's distressing to see this waste).

Sentence Patterns

C'est + regrettable.

C'est regrettable.

C'est une + [noun] + regrettable.

C'est une erreur regrettable.

Il est regrettable que + [subjunctive].

Il est regrettable qu'il pleuve.

Il est regrettable de + [infinitive].

Il est regrettable de perdre.

Je trouve + [noun] + regrettable.

Je trouve ce retard regrettable.

Bien que + regrettable, + [clause].

Bien que regrettable, c'est nécessaire.

C'est un(e) [noun] regrettable qui + [verb].

C'est un oubli regrettable qui change tout.

Si + regrettable + soit-il/elle.

Si regrettable soit-elle, l'erreur est faite.

Word Family

Nouns

regret (m) - regret

Verbs

regretter - to regret

Adjectives

regrettable - regrettable

regretté - late/deceased

regrettant

regrettable

regrets

regrettable

regrettablement

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech and writing; moderately common in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Il est regrettable qu'il est en retard. → Il est regrettable qu'il soit en retard.
The indicative 'est' is used instead of the required subjunctive 'soit'.
C'est une regrettable erreur. → C'est une erreur regrettable.
While adjectives can sometimes go before, 'regrettable' usually follows the noun.
Je suis regrettable. → Je suis désolé / Je regrette.
You cannot use 'regrettable' to express that you are sorry; it describes the situation, not the person.
C'est un regrettable. → C'est regrettable.
'Regrettable' is an adjective, not a noun. You need 'C'est regrettable' or 'C'est un regret'.
C'est regrettable pour moi. → C'est dommage pour moi / Je regrette.
While not strictly wrong, 'regrettable' is often too formal for personal feelings.

Tips

Subjunctive Alert

Whenever you use 'Il est regrettable que', prepare your subjunctive. It’s one of the most common triggers in formal writing.

Professionalism

Use 'regrettable' to soften bad news. It sounds objective and less emotional than 'triste'.

No Accents

Unlike the verb 'regretter' or the noun 'regret', the adjective 'regrettable' does not have an accent on the first 'e'.

Cognate Power

Since it's the same in English, use it as a 'bridge word' when you can't remember other synonyms like 'fâcheux'.

Polite Critique

If you need to criticize someone's work, calling an error 'regrettable' is less aggressive than calling it 'stupide'.

Scale of Regret

Remember: Dommage < Malheureux < Regrettable < Déplorable. Choose your level based on the situation.

Even Stress

Don't stress the 'gret' part like in English. Keep the rhythm even across all syllables.

Official News

You'll often hear this word in 'Le Journal' (the news). It’s a key word for understanding political reports.

Email Closings

You might see 'En espérant que cet incident regrettable n'affectera pas notre relation...' in a formal apology.

The '-able' Rule

All French adjectives ending in '-able' are gender-neutral. One less thing to worry about!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the English word 'regret' and add the suffix '-able'. If you can regret it, it is 'regrettable'. The spelling is identical except for the French accent on the 'e' (though in this case, there is no accent on the 'e' in 'regrettable'!).

Visual Association

Imagine a person looking at a broken clock. The clock represents time that cannot be taken back, and the person's face shows the 'regrettable' nature of the broken object.

Word Web

regretter erreur incident dommage malheureux triste fâcheux oubli

Challenge

Try to use 'regrettable' in three different sentences today: one about a mistake, one about the weather, and one about a missed opportunity.

Word Origin

Derived from the French verb 'regretter', which comes from the Old French 'regreter'. It dates back to the 12th century.

Original meaning: The original meaning of 'regreter' was 'to lament' or 'to bewail the dead'.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French.

Cultural Context

It is a safe, polite word. It does not carry offensive connotations.

English speakers use 'regrettable' in almost exactly the same way, but French speakers use it slightly more often in writing.

Commonly found in the memoirs of Charles de Gaulle. Used in French diplomatic cables (see WikiLeaks for examples). A frequent word in the songs of Jacques Brel when lamenting lost love.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional Errors

une erreur regrettable
un oubli regrettable
un manque de rigueur regrettable
une confusion regrettable

Social Situations

votre absence est regrettable
un incident regrettable
une situation regrettable
c'est regrettable pour vous

General Disappointment

il est regrettable que...
c'est tout à fait regrettable
vraiment regrettable
profondément regrettable

Politics and News

un acte regrettable
qualifié de regrettable
une décision regrettable
un recul regrettable

Travel and Delays

un retard regrettable
un contretemps regrettable
un incident technique regrettable
une annulation regrettable

Conversation Starters

"Trouvez-vous regrettable que nous passions autant de temps sur nos téléphones ?"

"Pensez-vous qu'une erreur regrettable puisse être une bonne leçon ?"

"Est-il regrettable que les gens ne lisent plus de livres papier ?"

"Quelle est la situation la plus regrettable que vous ayez vécue récemment ?"

"Est-ce regrettable que nous n'ayons pas plus de jours de vacances ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une erreur regrettable que vous avez faite et ce que vous avez appris.

Est-il regrettable de vivre dans une grande ville ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?

Écrivez sur un événement historique que vous trouvez particulièrement regrettable.

Qu'est-ce qui est plus regrettable : perdre de l'argent ou perdre du temps ?

Réfléchissez à un moment où vous avez dû dire 'c'est regrettable' de manière formelle.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is both! Adjectives ending in '-able' in French do not change between masculine and feminine. For example, 'un incident regrettable' and 'une erreur regrettable' both use the same form.

Yes, in standard French, the subjunctive is required because you are expressing a judgment or emotion about a fact. For example: 'Il est regrettable qu'il soit en retard' (soit is the subjunctive of être).

No, that would mean 'I am a regrettable person' (my existence is a mistake). To say 'I am sorry,' use 'Je suis désolé' or 'Je regrette'.

'Dommage' is more casual and used for everyday small disappointments. 'Regrettable' is more formal and used for more serious errors or in professional settings.

Simply add an 's' to the end: 'regrettables'. For example: 'des conséquences regrettables'.

No, it is quite rare. French speakers prefer to use 'malheureusement' (unfortunately) as an adverb.

It is very rare and sounds quite insulting, as if the person shouldn't exist. It's better to describe their actions: 'son comportement est regrettable'.

Yes, the 't' is clearly pronounced. The word sounds like 'ruh-greh-tabl'.

'Malheureux' is a very common synonym, although 'regrettable' sounds slightly more formal.

Yes, it is a perfect word for business emails to acknowledge mistakes or delays politely.