In the realm of formal communication, the word “unfortunately” is often used to express disappointment or regret. However, using the same term repeatedly can make your writing appear dull or monotonous.
To add variety and depth to your language, here are 25 alternative expressions you can use in formal emails:
What to say instead of “Unfortunately”
- Regrettably,
- Unhappily,
- Alas,
- Sadly,
- Lamentably,
- To our disappointment,
- In sorrow,
- Inauspiciously,
- To our chagrin,
- With regret,
- Disappointingly,
- Deplorably,
- To our dismay,
- In an unfortunate turn of events,
- Unfortunately,
- Much to our regret,
- In a regrettable manner,
- In an untimely manner,
- In an adverse situation,
- In a less than favorable manner,
- In an inconvenient manner,
- To our misfortune,
- In a disheartening manner,
- In a less than ideal scenario,
- In an undesirable situation.
1. “Regrettably”
Description: Indicates a sense of sorrow or disappointment about a particular situation or outcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings to express polite regret or disappointment.
Example: “Regrettably, we will not be able to proceed with the project as planned.”
2. “Unhappily”
Description: Conveys a feeling of sorrow or displeasure regarding an unfortunate circumstance.
Usage: Appropriate for formal contexts to express polite regret or disappointment.
Example: “Unhappily, the event has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
3. “Alas”
Description: Expresses a sense of sorrow, regret, or disappointment about an unfortunate event or outcome.
Usage: Often used in formal writing to convey a more literary or dramatic tone of regret.
Example: “Alas, the product launch has been delayed due to production issues.”
4. “Sadly”
Description: Conveys a feeling of sorrow or disappointment about an unfortunate situation or outcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to express polite regret or disappointment.
Example: “Sadly, we must inform you that your application has been denied.”
5. “Lamentably”
Description: Indicates a sense of sorrow or regret regarding an unfortunate circumstance or outcome.
Usage: Typically used in formal writing to express a more formal or solemn tone of regret.
Example: “Lamentably, we were unable to meet the deadline for project submission.”
6. “To Our Disappointment”
Description: Expresses the collective disappointment or regret of a group or organization.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to convey a sense of shared disappointment.
Example: “To our disappointment, the conference has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.”
7. “In Sorrow”
Description: Conveys a feeling of sadness or regret about an unfortunate event or outcome.
Usage: Appropriate for formal contexts to express a solemn tone of regret.
Example: “In sorrow, we must inform you of the company’s decision to downsize.”
8. “Inauspiciously”
Description: Indicates an unfortunate or unfavorable situation or outcome.
Usage: Typically used in formal writing to express a more formal or scholarly tone.
Example: “Inauspiciously, the stock market experienced a significant downturn.”
9. “To Our Chagrin”
Description: Expresses a feeling of embarrassment, disappointment, or irritation about an unfortunate event.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to convey a sense of shared disappointment or frustration.
Example: “To our chagrin, the software update resulted in unexpected system errors.”
10. “With Regret”
Description: Indicates a feeling of sorrow or disappointment about an unfortunate circumstance or outcome.
Usage: Appropriate for formal contexts to express polite regret or disappointment.
Example: “With regret, we must inform you that the project has been put on hold indefinitely.”
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11. “Disappointingly”
Description: Conveys a sense of disappointment about an outcome or situation that did not meet expectations.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to express polite disappointment.
Example: “Disappointingly, the event did not attract as many attendees as we had hoped.”
12. “Deplorably”
Description: Indicates a strong sense of disapproval, regret, or disappointment about a situation or outcome.
Usage: Typically used in formal writing to express a more formal or solemn tone of regret.
Example: “Deplorably, the project suffered significant setbacks due to budget constraints.”
13. “To Our Dismay”
Description: Expresses a feeling of surprise, disappointment, or frustration about an unexpected or unfavorable event.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to convey a sense of shared disappointment or frustration.
Example: “To our dismay, the client decided to terminate the contract without prior notice.”
14. “In an Unfortunate Turn of Events”
Description: Indicates a sudden or unexpected change in circumstances that has led to an unfortunate outcome.
Usage: Appropriate for formal contexts to express a sense of regret or disappointment.
Example: “In an unfortunate turn of events, the merger negotiations fell through at the last minute.”
15. “Unfortunately”
Description: Conveys a sense of regret or disappointment about an unfortunate circumstance or outcome.
Usage: Commonly used in both formal and informal communication to express polite regret.
Example: “Unfortunately, we were unable to secure funding for the project.”
16. “Much to Our Regret”
Description: Indicates a deep sense of sorrow or disappointment about an unfortunate event or outcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to convey a sincere and formal tone of regret.
Example: “Much to our regret, we must cancel the scheduled meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.”
Read Also: Other Ways to Say “Good Girl”
17. “In a Regrettable Manner”
Description: Conveys the manner in which something regrettable or unfortunate has occurred.
Usage: Appropriate for formal contexts to express a formal tone of regret or disappointment.
Example: “The project was handled in a regrettable manner, leading to significant delays and complications.”
18. “In an Untimely Manner”
Description: Indicates that something unfortunate or regrettable has occurred at an inconvenient or inappropriate time.
Usage: Typically used in formal writing to express a more formal or scholarly tone.
Example: “The decision to terminate the contract came in an untimely manner, causing disruption to our operations.”
19. “In an Adverse Situation”
Description: Conveys that a situation has become unfavorable or detrimental.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to express a formal tone of concern or disappointment.
Example: “We find ourselves in an adverse situation with the sudden resignation of key team members.”
20. “In a Less Than Favorable Manner”
Description: Indicates that something has occurred in a way that is not ideal or desirable.
Usage: Appropriate for formal contexts to express a formal tone of disappointment or regret.
Example: “The project was executed in a less than favorable manner, resulting in subpar outcomes.”
21. “In an Inconvenient Manner”
Description: Conveys that something unfortunate has occurred in a way that is inconvenient or problematic.
Usage: Typically used in formal writing to express a formal tone of concern or dissatisfaction.
Example: “The system update occurred in an inconvenient manner, causing disruption to our daily operations.”
22. “To Our Misfortune”
Description: Expresses that something unfortunate has happened to the detriment of oneself or others.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to convey a formal tone of regret or disappointment.
Example: “To our misfortune, the project faced numerous challenges that hindered its progress.”
23. “In a Disheartening Manner”
Description: Conveys that something has occurred in a way that is discouraging or disheartening.
Usage: Appropriate for formal contexts to express a formal tone of disappointment or sadness.
Example: “The news of the layoffs was delivered in a disheartening manner, leaving employees feeling demoralized.”
24. “In a Less Than Ideal Scenario”
Description: Indicates that a situation or outcome is not as good as one would hope for or expect.
Usage: Typically used in formal writing to express a formal tone of dissatisfaction or disappointment.
Example: “The project was completed in a less than ideal scenario, resulting in compromises in quality.”
25. “In an Undesirable Situation”
Description: Conveys that a situation is unfavorable or unwelcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal communication to express a formal tone of concern or dissatisfaction.
Example: “We find ourselves in an undesirable situation with the unexpected departure of key team members.”
Final Thoughts
These alternative expressions to “unfortunately” provide you with a diverse vocabulary to articulate regret, disappointment, or unfortunate circumstances in formal emails.
By using these idiomatic expressions appropriately, you can maintain professionalism while effectively conveying empathy, understanding, and concern in your communication.
Remember to consider the tone and context of your message when selecting the most suitable expression to ensure clarity and effectiveness in your communication.
I’m Noah Wilson, the test-prep pro at “English WRAP Up.” I’ve been helping students navigate the challenges of TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG, making the learning process a whole lot of fun. Over at English WRAP Up, we’re here to make your test prep incredible. Let’s wrap up your English exams with confidence and skill together!
