35 Other Ways to Say “Unfortunately in a Formal Email” (With Examples)

What Does “Unfortunately in a Formal Email” Mean?

Before exploring alternatives, let’s first understand the meaning of “Unfortunately in a Formal Email“. This word typically conveys bad news or something undesirable. It is often used to express regret, sadness, or disappointment about a situation. While it serves its purpose well, in a formal email, can sometimes come across as cold or impersonal.

Common Uses of “Unfortunately in a Formal Email”:

• To express a negative outcome: “Unfortunately in a Formal Email, we cannot proceed with your proposal.”
• To show sympathy or regret: “Unfortunately in a Formal Email, I won’t be able to attend the meeting.”
• To apologize for something unpleasant: “Unfortunately in a Formal Email, the item you ordered is out of stock.”

While it’s useful, overusing “Unfortunately in a Formal Email“ can sound repetitive or dismissive. Let’s explore some polite and empathetic alternatives that still convey the message clearly without sounding harsh.

When to Use “Unfortunately in a Formal Email”

You’d typically use “Unfortunately in a Formal Email“ when you are delivering disappointing news or breaking a promise. It’s commonly used in scenarios such as:

• Declining an invitation: “Unfortunately in a Formal Email, I’m unavailable.”
• Delivering bad news: “Unfortunately in a Formal Email, we won’t be able to meet the deadline.”
• Apologizing for a situation: “Unfortunately in a Formal Email, there was an error with your order.”

It’s important to use the word mindfully, as it can set the tone of the conversation, often bringing an element of negativity into the exchange. Using more neutral or empathetic phrasing helps soften the impact.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Unfortunately in a Formal Email”?

Yes, it’s completely professional and polite to use “Unfortunately in a Formal Email“ when necessary. However, as in any communication, tone is key. In a formal email, it’s best to balance directness with empathy. Overusing “Unfortunately in a Formal Email“ may sound too detached or impersonal. It’s often better to vary your expression to keep your communication warm and considerate.

Pros and Cons Of “Unfortunately in a Formal Email”

Pros:

• It’s a clear and concise way to express bad news.
• It directly communicates disappointment or regret.
• It’s commonly understood and universally accepted in business contexts.

Cons:

• It can sound blunt or too negative if not used thoughtfully.
• Overuse can make you appear insensitive or apathetic.
• It may make the reader focus on the bad news without offering a positive spin.

Unfortunately in a Formal Email Synonyms:

• Regrettably
• I’m sorry to inform you
• Sadly
• It is with regret
• Unfortunately, it seems
• We regret to inform you
• It’s unfortunate that
• Regretfully
• I regret to say
• It’s a shame that
• I regret that
• Sadly, we are unable to
• With great disappointment
• I’m afraid that
• It appears that
• I must convey that
• I’m sorry to report
• Unfortunately, it has come to our attention
• Unfortunately, it has come to our attention
• It is regrettable that
• Unfortunately, it is not possible
• It’s unfortunate to hear
• I wish I could say otherwise
• It is with deep regret
• I regret to inform you that
• It’s with a heavy heart that
• It is with regret that we must
• We are sorry to inform you
• It’s disappointing to report
• It is with deep regret that
• I regret to inform you that we are unable to
• I’m sorry, but it seems
• I regret to inform you that this is not possible
• It’s unfortunate to hear that
• I must express my regret

Regrettably

Meaning:
Expresses deep regret or sorrow about something.

Explanation:
A more formal and empathetic alternative to “Unfortunately in a Formal Email.”

Scenario Example:
“Regrettably, we will not be able to accommodate your request at this time.”

Best Use:
When you want to show genuine regret without sounding cold.

Worst Use:
In casual or overly optimistic contexts.

Tone:
Polite and sympathetic.

I’m sorry to inform you.

Meaning:
A polite, formal way of introducing bad news.

Explanation:
This phrase softens the impact by adding a sense of empathy.

Scenario Example:
“I’m sorry to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.”

Best Use:
When delivering news that is disappointing or unwelcome.

Worst Use:
When the news is not significant enough to warrant such a formal tone.

Tone:
Empathetic and professional.

Sadly

Meaning:
A gentle expression indicating disappointment or sorrow.

Explanation:
It’s similar to “Unfortunately in a Formal Email“ but adds a more personal tone.

Scenario Example:
“Sadly, the event has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Best Use:
When you want to express sincere disappointment.

Worst Use:
When the situation is more trivial.

Tone:
Sympathetic and soft.

It is with regret

Meaning:
Indicates a feeling of regret or disappointment.

Explanation:
A formal way to convey that something negative must be communicated.

Scenario Example:
“It is with regret that I must inform you we cannot proceed with your proposal.”

Best Use:
When delivering professional bad news.

Worst Use:
When the issue is minor.

Tone:
Respectful and careful.

Unfortunately, it seems.

Meaning:
Adds a slight hedging tone, indicating that something undesirable has occurred.

Explanation:
A softer, less direct way to deliver bad news.

Scenario Example:
“Unfortunately in a Formal Email, it seems that the required information is unavailable at the moment.”

Best Use:
When the situation is uncertain or not entirely negative.

Worst Use:
When you need to deliver firm bad news.

Tone:
Considerate and cautious.

We regret to inform you.

Meaning:
A formal and direct phrase expressing regret.

Explanation:
This phrase is often used in formal communications, especially when delivering official or business-related bad news.

Scenario Example:
“We regret to inform you that the position has already been filled.”

Best Use:
For professional communications, especially in corporate or academic settings.

Worst Use:
When the news is not serious enough for a formal tone.

Tone:
Respectful and solemn.

It’s unfortunate that

Meaning:
A variation of “Unfortunately in a Formal Email,” but with a more passive tone.

Explanation:
This is a slightly more indirect way of expressing disappointment.

Scenario Example:
“Unfortunately in a Formal Email, we were unable to meet the deadline.”

Best Use:
When you want to soften the delivery of negative news.

Worst Use:
When the situation demands more directness.

Tone:
Neutral and mildly regretful.

Regretfully

Meaning:
A variation of “regrettably,” is often used in formal writing.

Explanation:
Slightly more formal than “regrettably,” but equally empathetic.

Scenario Example:
“Regretfully, I must decline your invitation to speak at the event.”

Best Use:
When declining an invitation or request.

Worst Use:
When the situation doesn’t warrant a formal expression of regret.

Tone:
Sincere and formal.

I regret to say

Meaning:
A formal way of expressing regret or disappointment.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys a thoughtful tone, emphasizing the speaker’s regret.

Scenario Example:
“I regret to say that we will not be able to offer you a refund.”

Best Use:
When conveying formal or unfortunate news.

Worst Use:
In informal situations.

Tone:
Apologetic and respectful.

It’s a shame that

Meaning:
A more conversational, yet still formal, expression of regret.

Explanation:
This phrase is softer and conveys a sense of sympathy.

Scenario Example:
“It’s a shame that we won’t be able to collaborate on this project.”

Best Use:
When expressing regret in a personalized way.

Worst Use:
When delivering more serious bad news.

Tone:
Warm and friendly.

I regret that

Meaning:
A formal expression of regret, often used in business or official communication.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys a sense of sorrow or disappointment while maintaining professionalism.

Scenario Example:
“I regret that we are unable to fulfill your request at this time.”

Best Use:
When delivering a formal decline or refusal.

Worst Use:
In a casual or informal situation.

Tone:
Formal and polite.

Sadly, we are unable to

Meaning:
A gentle and empathetic way of communicating bad news.

Explanation:
A polite way of expressing that something isn’t possible while showing empathy.

Scenario Example:
“Sadly, we are unable to meet the deadlines you proposed.”

Best Use:
When delivering disappointing news that involves others’ expectations.

Worst Use:
When no disappointment is involved.

Tone:
Sympathetic and soft.

With great disappointment

Meaning:
A formal phrase indicating a high level of regret.

Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes a stronger emotional response to the negative news.

Scenario Example:
“With great disappointment, I must inform you that your application was unsuccessful.”

Best Use:
For news that requires an empathetic and thoughtful response.

Worst Use:
In situations where the news is more neutral.

Tone:
Serious and empathic.

I’m afraid that

Meaning:
A soft and indirect way of introducing bad news.

Explanation:
A polite and gentle approach to expressing something negative.

Scenario Example:
“I’m afraid that the position has already been filled.”

Best Use:
When you want to soften the impact of the bad news.

Worst Use:
When the news is straightforward and doesn’t need softening.

Tone:
Polite and gentle.

It appears that

Meaning:
A more neutral and less direct phrase to indicate a negative outcome.

Explanation:
This softens the blow of disappointing news by implying uncertainty.

Scenario Example:
“It appears that we cannot meet the requested delivery date.”

Best Use:
When there’s some level of uncertainty in the situation.

Worst Use:
When the situation is certain and needs to be communicated clearly.

Tone:
Cautious and neutral.

I must convey that

Meaning:
A formal way of delivering news that is typically negative.

Explanation:
This phrase is often used to announce important but disappointing information.

Scenario Example:
“I must convey that we cannot accommodate your request for an extension.”

Best Use:
In formal professional settings where clarity and empathy are key.

Worst Use:
When the news isn’t serious enough to warrant such a formal tone.

Tone:
Professional and respectful.

I’m sorry to report

Meaning:
A formal and direct way to communicate unfortunate news.

Explanation:
This phrase is commonly used in corporate or reporting environments.

Scenario Example:
“I’m sorry to report that the meeting has been canceled.”

Best Use:
For delivering news that’s factual and needs to be acknowledged.

Worst Use:
When the news isn’t particularly serious.

Tone:
Formal and concise.

Unfortunately, it has come to our attention

Meaning:
A phrase used when introducing a problem or negative situation.

Explanation:
It implies that the issue is newly discovered and requires action.

Scenario Example:
“Unfortunately in a Formal Email, it has come to our attention that there was an error in your account.”

Best Use:
When introducing an issue that needs immediate attention.

Worst Use:
When the issue is minor or doesn’t require formality.

Tone:
Formal and concerned.

Unfortunately, it has come to our attention

Meaning:
A polite and formal way to introduce regretful news.

Explanation:
This is often used in more formal communications to convey disappointment.

Scenario Example:
“With regret, I must inform you that we are unable to honor your request.”

Best Use:
When you need to convey strong regret but remain professional.

Worst Use:
When the situation is trivial.

Tone:
Sincere and formal.

It is regrettable that.

Meaning:
A formal phrase used to express disappointment.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys a sense of formality and professionalism while communicating bad news.

Scenario Example:
“Regrettably, we have to reschedule the meeting.”

Best Use:
In formal business settings where professionalism is key.

Worst Use:
In informal or casual communication.

Tone:
Formal and respectful.

Unfortunately, it is not possible.

Meaning:
A straightforward but polite way to express that something cannot be done.

Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you need to deliver a direct refusal or negation.

Scenario Example:
“Unfortunately in a Formal Email, it is not possible to process your request at this time.”

Best Use:
When the situation is not possible, you need to explain why.

Worst Use:
When there’s room for negotiation or alternative solutions.

Tone:
Clear and polite.

It’s unfortunate to hear.

Meaning:
A polite and empathetic way of expressing regret.

Explanation:
This phrase helps you empathize with the recipient while addressing bad news.

Scenario Example:
“It’s unfortunate to hear that you were unable to attend the event.”

Best Use:
When showing empathy towards someone’s situation.

Worst Use:
When the news is more about the company than the recipient.

Tone:
Empathetic and warm.

I wish I could say otherwise.

Meaning:
A gentle way of introducing disappointing news, and showing empathy.

Explanation:
This phrase softens the blow by acknowledging that you would prefer a better outcome.

Scenario Example:
“I wish I could say otherwise, but we are unable to proceed with your request.”

Best Use:
When you want to acknowledge the disappointment but remain empathetic.

Worst Use:
When the news is urgent and needs to be addressed more directly.

Tone:
Sincere and sympathetic.

It is with deep regret.

Meaning:
A formal and more profound way to express sorrow or disappointment.

Explanation:
This phrase is often used in situations where the news is especially difficult to communicate.

Scenario Example:
“It is with deep regret that I must inform you of the decision.”

Best Use:
When communicating particularly unfortunate or serious news.

Worst Use:
In casual or trivial situations.

Tone:
Somber and formal.

I regret to inform you that.

Meaning:
A very formal and polite way of introducing bad news.

Explanation:
Commonly used in business and official settings, this phrase is direct but empathetic.

Scenario Example:
“I regret to inform you that we have had to cancel the upcoming event.”

Best Use:
For important updates in formal business correspondence.

Worst Use:
When the issue isn’t serious or impactful.

Tone:
Professional and respectful.

It’s with a heavy heart that.

Meaning:
A deeply empathetic way to express regret or sorrow.

Explanation:
This phrase adds a personal touch to a message, showing that the situation is genuinely regrettable.

Scenario Example:
“It’s with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the cancellation of the event.”

Best Use:
When delivering especially disappointing or emotional news.

Worst Use:
In casual or less serious situations.

Tone:
Somber and empathetic.

It is with regret that we must

Meaning:
A formal way to convey regret about a situation.

Explanation:
This phrase communicates professionalism and sincerity when giving disappointing news.

Scenario Example:
“It is with regret that we must inform you that your proposal was not selected.”

Best Use:
For formal, business-related bad news.

Worst Use:
When the situation is less serious or urgent.

Tone:
Formal and respectful.

We are sorry to inform you.

Meaning:
A polite way of delivering bad news with an empathetic tone.

Explanation:
This phrase is more conversational but still maintains professionalism.

Scenario Example:
“We are sorry to inform you that your application has not been successful.”

Best Use:
When giving disappointing news in a business setting.

Worst Use:
In a very formal communication where a stronger tone is needed.

Tone:
Polite and concerned.

It’s disappointing to report

Meaning:
A phrase expressing regret and emphasizing the disappointment of the situation.

Explanation:
This phrase combines disappointment with the formal act of reporting, making it ideal for official contexts.

Scenario Example:
“It’s disappointing to report that the product launch has been delayed.”

Best Use:
When giving news that affects both your team and others.

Worst Use:
When the news is minor or inconsequential.

Tone:
Respectful and sympathetic.

It is with deep regret that.

Meaning:
A highly formal way to show that the situation is deeply regrettable.

Explanation:
This expression conveys strong feelings of regret, making it ideal for difficult situations.

Scenario Example:
“It is with deep regret that we must inform you that the position has been filled.”

Best Use:
In official communications or sensitive professional matters.

Worst Use:
In situations where a lighter tone would be more appropriate.

Tone:
Formal and earnest.

I regret to inform you that we are unable to

Meaning:
A direct, yet polite way of conveying that something cannot be done.

Explanation:
This phrase shows regret and conveys a clear message of inability to proceed with a request.

Scenario Example:
“I regret to inform you that we are unable to grant an extension for the deadline.”

Best Use:
When politeness is needed, a firm refusal is necessary.

Worst Use:
In situations that require a softer or more indirect approach.

Tone:
Professional and direct.

I’m sorry, but it seems.

Meaning:
A more casual, softer version of “Unfortunately in a Formal Email,” offers a polite explanation.

Explanation:
This phrase communicates regret but with a lighter tone.

Scenario Example:
“I’m sorry, but it seems we won’t be able to meet your deadline.”

Best Use:
In semi-formal emails when the news isn’t as severe.

Worst Use:
When delivering serious or important bad news.

Tone:
Gentle and understanding.

I regret to inform you that this is not possible

Meaning:
A more formal way to express that something is unattainable or unachievable.

Explanation:
This phrase is used when directly denying a request respectfully.

Scenario Example:
“I regret to inform you that this is not possible at this time due to resource constraints.”

Best Use:
For official communications where clarity is important.

Worst Use:
In informal settings where casual phrasing might be more appropriate.

Tone:
Formal and clear.

It’s unfortunate to hear that.

Meaning:
A gentle and empathetic way to express regret upon hearing disappointing news.

Explanation:
This phrase shifts the focus to the recipient’s situation, showing empathy.

Scenario Example:
“It’s unfortunate to hear that your request for an extension has been denied.”

Best Use:
When responding to someone else’s bad news with empathy.

Worst Use:
When the news is more about your actions than the recipient’s situation.

Tone:
Empathetic and concerned.

I must express my regret.

Meaning:
A formal phrase used to express sorrow or disappointment.

Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes that the speaker feels compelled to express their regret.

Scenario Example:
“I must express my regret that we cannot accommodate your schedule at this time.”

Best Use:
When delivering personal or important news in a formal context.

Worst Use:
In less serious or informal communication.

Tone:
Formal and thoughtful.

Conclusion