B2verb1K

Regret

UK /["/rɪˈɡret/","/rɪˈɡrets/","/rɪˈɡretɪd/","/rɪˈɡretɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈɡret/","/rɪˈɡrets/","/rɪˈɡretɪd/","/rɪˈɡretɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to feel sorry about something you have done or about something that you have not been able to do

In simple words: To feel sad or sorry about something you did or didn't do.

Examples

  • I regret not studying harder for my exams.
  • She often regrets her decision to move to another city.
  • He said he would always regret the time he wasted.
  • Although I regret eating that entire cake, it was delicious.
  • After our argument, I felt a deep regret for the words I had said.

Usage notes

Use 'regret' to express feelings about past actions. It's appropriate in neutral to formal contexts, but less so in casual conversations where simpler phrases might fit better.

Grammar pattern

regret + object

Memory hint

Think 're-great' — when you wish you could have changed something to make it better.

Collocations

  • bitterly
  • deeply
  • greatly
  • begin to
  • come to
  • grow to
  • bitterly
  • deeply
  • greatly
  • begin to
  • come to
  • grow to

Synonyms

  • feel sorry
  • lament
  • repent
  • bemoan
  • deplore

Antonyms

  • satisfaction
  • contentment
  • pride

Common mistakes

  • 'Regret' is often confused with 'remorse'. Remorse includes a stronger sense of guilt.
  • Learners might say 'I regret to do...' instead of 'I regret doing...'.
  • Confusion between 'regret' and 'regrettable' which is an adjective.