Language is a versatile tool that allows us to convey a range of emotions and sentiments. In formal communication, particularly in emails, expressing unfortunate news or circumstances requires a delicate balance of professionalism and empathy.
While the word “unfortunately” is commonly used, there exists a diverse array of idiomatic expressions that can effectively convey a sense of regret or disappointment in a formal context. These alternatives not only add variety to our language but also provide nuanced ways to express empathy and understanding.
In this article, we’ll delve into 25 idiomatic ways to say “unfortunately” in a formal email, each offering a unique perspective to convey regret or disappointment.
Is It Professional To Say “Unfortunately In A Formal Email”
Using “unfortunately” in a formal email is appropriate in certain situations where you need to convey disappointing or regrettable news in a polite and professional manner.
For example, if you have to decline an offer, inform about a setback, or apologize for an inconvenience, using “unfortunately” can soften the impact of the message.
What To Say Instead Of “Unfortunately In A Formal Email”
- Regrettably
- Sadly
- Alas
- To our disappointment
- Inauspiciously
- Disappointingly
- In a regretful manner
- Unhappily
- With regret
- Lamentably
- Unfortunately
- Sadly
- In sorrow
- With a heavy heart
- In a disheartening manner
- With dismay
- In an unfortunate turn of events
- With sadness
- To our chagrin
- With disappointment
- In a deplorable manner
- In a woeful manner
- With deep regret
- With reluctance
- In a melancholy fashion
1. Regrettably
Meaning: Conveying a sense of sorrow or remorse for an unfortunate situation or outcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment in a polite and courteous manner.
Example: “Regrettably, we must inform you that the event has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
2. Sadly
Meaning: Expressing sorrow or disappointment in a formal manner.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying a sense of regret or disappointment with dignity.
Example: “Sadly, we must inform you that your application has been unsuccessful at this time.”
3. Alas
Meaning: Conveying a sense of sorrow or disappointment for an unfortunate situation or outcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment in a formal and respectful manner.
Example: “Alas, despite our best efforts, we were unable to secure funding for the project.”
4. To our disappointment
Meaning: Conveying a sense of collective disappointment or regret.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing disappointment in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
Example: “To our disappointment, the supplier has informed us of a delay in the delivery of the goods.”
5. Inauspiciously
Meaning: Describing an unfortunate or unfavorable situation in a formal manner.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying a sense of disappointment or regret with a touch of formality.
Example: “The project launch, inauspiciously, coincided with a major industry event, leading to reduced attendance.”
6. Disappointingly
Meaning: Expressing disappointment or regret in a formal manner.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying a sense of disappointment with professionalism and tact.
Example: “Disappointingly, the audit results revealed several areas requiring immediate attention.”
7. In a regretful manner
Meaning: Describing an action or situation carried out with a sense of remorse or sorrow.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying regret or disappointment in a polite and dignified manner.
Example: “In a regretful manner, we must inform you of the cancellation of the upcoming conference.”
8. Unhappily
Meaning: Expressing sorrow or disappointment in a formal manner.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying a sense of regret or disappointment with professionalism and empathy.
Example: “Unhappily, we must inform you that the project timeline has been extended due to unforeseen circumstances.”
9. With regret
Meaning: Conveying a sense of sorrow or disappointment in a formal manner.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with courtesy and respect.
Example: “With regret, we must inform you that your application did not meet our selection criteria.”
Other Ways To Say “Thank You For The Information”
10. Lamentably
Meaning: Describing a situation or outcome deserving of regret or sorrow.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying a sense of disappointment or regret with dignity and formality.
Example: “Lamentably, the product launch did not meet our sales projections.”
11. Unfortunately
Meaning: Indicating regret or disappointment about a particular situation or outcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment in a straightforward and courteous manner.
Example: “Unfortunately, we were unable to secure the necessary funding for the project.”
12. Sadly
Meaning: Conveying sorrow or disappointment in a formal manner.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing a sense of regret or disappointment with dignity.
Example: “Sadly, the event had to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.”
13. In sorrow
Meaning: Expressing deep regret or disappointment.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying a sense of sorrow or disappointment with solemnity.
Example: “In sorrow, we must inform you that the project has been delayed indefinitely.”
14. With a heavy heart
Meaning: Indicating a deep sense of regret or sadness.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with empathy and sincerity.
Example: “With a heavy heart, we must inform you of the company’s decision to downsize.”
15. In a disheartening manner
Meaning: Describing an action or situation that causes sadness or disappointment.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, conveying a sense of disappointment with gravity.
Example: “In a disheartening manner, we regret to inform you that your proposal was not selected.”
16. With dismay
Meaning: Indicating disappointment or distress.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with solemnity.
Example: “With dismay, we learned of the unexpected resignation of our CEO.”
17. In an unfortunate turn of events
Meaning: Describing a sequence of events that leads to an undesirable outcome.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with a sense of inevitability.
Example: “In an unfortunate turn of events, the project faced multiple setbacks.”
18. With sadness
Meaning: Conveying sorrow or disappointment in a formal manner.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with solemnity.
Example: “With sadness, we must announce the closure of our retail branch.”
19. To our chagrin
Meaning: Describing an emotion of embarrassment or annoyance caused by disappointment.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with a touch of humility.
Example: “To our chagrin, the product launch did not meet our expectations.”
20. With disappointment
Meaning: Indicating a feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment in a straightforward manner.
Example: “With disappointment, we must inform you that the project deadline has been extended.”
21. In a deplorable manner
Meaning: Describing a situation that is deserving of strong condemnation or disapproval.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with severity.
Example: “In a deplorable manner, the company’s financial performance deteriorated.”
22. In a woeful manner
Meaning: Conveying a sense of sorrow or distress.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with solemnity.
Example: “In a woeful manner, the company announced layoffs.”
23. With deep regret
Meaning: Indicating a profound feeling of sorrow or remorse.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with sincerity and empathy.
Example: “With deep regret, we must inform you of the cancellation of the project.”
24. With reluctance
Meaning: Indicating hesitation or unwillingness.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with humility.
Example: “With reluctance, we have decided to suspend operations temporarily.”
25. In a melancholy fashion
Meaning: Describing a mood of deep sadness or sorrow.
Usage: Suitable for formal settings, expressing regret or disappointment with introspection.
Example: “In a melancholy fashion, we bid farewell to our longtime employees.”
Final Thoughts:
In formal communication, conveying regret or disappointment requires sensitivity and tact. Idiomatic expressions offer a nuanced way to articulate these emotions with dignity and respect.
By utilizing alternatives to “unfortunately” in formal emails, individuals can express empathy and understanding while maintaining professionalism.
Understanding and incorporating idioms into everyday language enriches communication and fosters stronger connections, particularly in formal settings where conveying empathy and respect is essential.
I’m Ava Thompson, your expert guide at “English WRAP Up.” I’ve been immersed in the world of English language tests, helping students ace TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG. With a wealth of experience in teaching and grading, I’m here to help you master your English exams. Join me on this educational journey, and let’s wrap up your English skills with excellence!
