35 Other Ways to Say “Unfortunately” (With Examples)

Choosing the right words can be a challenge, especially when conveying tough news or expressing empathy. Sometimes, phrases like “Unfortunately“ can come off as distant or cold. By exploring alternative ways to communicate, we can soften our message, express more warmth, and create deeper connections.

What Does “Unfortunately” Mean?

“Unfortunately“ is a word we often use to introduce bad news or something negative. It signals that the following statement might be disappointing or regretful. While it serves its purpose, it can sometimes feel a little blunt or impersonal. Using alternatives allows us to frame the message with more empathy or subtlety.

When to Use “Unfortunately”

“Unfortunately“ works well when you need to convey something regretful or disappointing. It helps soften the blow but can be perceived as distant. Whether you’re breaking bad news at work or letting a friend down, it’s important to consider the emotional tone. By finding a softer or more thoughtful alternative, you can express empathy and care, which makes a big difference in how your message is received.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Unfortunately”?

While “Unfortunately“ is generally polite and professional, it’s a bit impersonal. In professional settings, it’s often used to show regret without sounding harsh. However, using an alternative can make your communication feel warmer and more human, especially in sensitive situations. Consider the context and the relationship you have with the person you’re communicating with. When you want to show more care, these alternatives can be much more effective.

Pros and ConsOf “Unfortunately”

Pros:

• Clear and straightforward: It’s a simple way to communicate bad news.
• Widely understood: Most people recognize and understand the tone immediately.

Cons:

• Can sound cold: It may come off as detached, especially if overused.
• Lacks warmth: In some cases, it’s not the most empathetic way to deliver difficult information.

Unfortunately Synonyms:

• I’m Sorry to Say
• Regrettably
• Sadly
• It’s a Shame
• I’m Afraid
• It’s Disappointing to Hear
• “Unfortunately”, it Looks Like
• I Wish I Could Say Otherwise
• It’s Unfortunate, But
• To My Regret
• I Hate to Say It, But
• I Regret to Inform You
• It’s Too Bad
• It’s a Disappointment
• I Wish I Could Do More
• With Regret
• I Understand This is Disappointing
• I’m Disheartened to Tell You
• It’s Regrettable
• This is Not What I Had Hoped For
• It’s with a Heavy Heart
• I Wish I Had Better News
• It’s a Real Letdown
• This Isn’t Ideal
• I Wish Things Were Different
• I Understand How You Feel
• I’m Disappointed to Say
• It’s Hard to Say
• It’s Regrettable to Report
• I Was Hoping for a Better Outcome
• I Can’t Say I’m Pleased
• It’s a Tough Pill to Swallow
• I Understand This Might Be Disappointing
• It’s Unfortunate, But Necessary
• I Can’t Help but Feel Disappointed

I’m Sorry to Say

Meaning:
A gentle way to introduce bad news, showing empathy right from the start.

Explanation:
This phrase expresses regret while softening the message.

Example:
I’m sorry to say, that your application wasn’t successful.

Best Use:
When you want to convey a sense of personal regret.

Worst Use:
In a very formal or impersonal setting, where a more direct approach is needed.

Tone:
Empathetic and apologetic.

Regrettably

Meaning:
A more formal alternative to, “Unfortunately“, expressing sorrow.

Explanation:
This word conveys disappointment but in a slightly more polished way.

Example:
Regrettably, we are unable to process your request at this time.

Best Use:
In formal emails or when communicating difficult news professionally.

Worst Use:
In casual conversations with friends, where something warmer may be more fitting.

Tone:
Professional and polite, but a bit distant.

Sadly

Meaning:
Indicates sorrow or disappointment in a more emotionally expressive way.

Explanation:
This term helps create a compassionate tone, focusing on the emotional aspect of the situation.

Example:
Sadly, the event has been canceled due to weather.

Best Use:
When you want to show that the situation is disappointing and evokes emotion.

Worst Use:
In highly formal contexts where such emotional language might be seen as unprofessional.

Tone:
Warm, empathetic, and sincere.

It’s a Shame

Meaning:
Expresses that something unfortunate is regrettable, but with a slightly more casual tone.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys a sense of mild disappointment, often used in personal conversations.

Example:
It’s a shame you couldn’t make it to the meeting.

Best Use:
In informal conversations or when speaking with friends and colleagues.

Worst Use:
In official communications or when addressing serious matters.

Tone: Casual, empathetic, and understanding.

I’m Afraid

Meaning:
Often used to soften bad news, making it sound more polite.

Explanation:
This expression introduces the negative news with a sense of reluctance.

Example:
I’m afraid we won’t be able to approve your request at this time.

Best Use:
In both professional and personal conversations where a gentle approach is needed.

Worst Use:
In situations where you need to be direct and clear.

Tone:
Polite, but a little more formal.

It’s Disappointing to Hear

Meaning:
Acknowledges the disappointment of the situation, expressing empathy.

Explanation:
A very thoughtful way to share bad news, showing that you understand how the person might feel.

Example:
It’s disappointing to hear that the project won’t move forward.

Best Use:
When you want to express shared disappointment, especially in professional or personal situations.

Worst Use:
In very formal settings or when delivering more neutral or fact-based information.

Tone:
Caring, considerate, and warm.

“Unfortunately”, it Looks Like

Meaning:
A less direct way of saying, “Unfortunately“, softening the message with a tone of uncertainty.

Explanation:
This phrase introduces the bad news while implying that the situation isn’t entirely certain.

Example:
“Unfortunately“, it looks like we won’t meet the deadline.

Best Use:
In situations where there’s a possibility of change, or you’re delivering news that isn’t final.

Worst Use:
In situations that require a firm decision or clear statement.

Tone:
Polite, indirect, and a little tentative.

I Wish I Could Say Otherwise

Meaning:
A very empathetic phrase that conveys a sense of personal regret.

Explanation:
This expresses a desire for a different outcome, making it feel more personal.

Example:
I wish I could say otherwise, but your proposal didn’t meet the requirements.

Best Use:
When delivering disappointing news to someone you care about.

Worst Use:
In professional contexts where the tone needs to be neutral and objective.

Tone:
Warm, empathetic, and regretful.

It’s Unfortunate, But

Meaning:
A straightforward yet softer way to introduce bad news.

Explanation:
Similar to “Unfortunately“, but with a slight change in structure to make it feel more conversational.

Example:
It’s unfortunate, but we won’t be able to proceed with your application.

Best Use:
In both personal and professional situations when you need to express regret.

Worst Use:
In situations requiring an extremely delicate or highly formal approach.

Tone:
Neutral, but empathetic.

To My Regret

Meaning:
A formal, yet empathetic phrase to introduce bad news.

Explanation:
This phrase puts the speaker at the center, expressing that they regret the situation.

Example:
To my regret, we cannot approve your request at this time.

Best Use:
In formal settings where you want to convey responsibility or personal regret.

Worst Use:
In casual settings, where it may come off as overly formal.

Tone:
Formal and regretful.

I Hate to Say It, But

Meaning:
Expresses reluctance to share bad news, often used to soften the delivery.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys that the speaker dislikes giving negative news, making it sound more personal.

Example:
I hate to say it, but we won’t be able to approve your vacation request.

Best Use:
In personal or semi-formal contexts when you want to show empathy.

Worst Use:
In professional contexts where a more neutral tone is required.

Tone:
Casual and empathetic, with a hint of reluctance.

I Regret to Inform You

Meaning:
A formal and professional way to introduce negative information.

Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the speaker’s regret and makes the news sound more respectful.

Example:
I regret to inform you that your application was not successful.

Best Use:
In formal or official communications, such as business emails or official notices.

Worst Use:
In casual or informal settings, where a more conversational tone might be better.

Tone:
Formal, polite, and respectful.

It’s Too Bad

Meaning:
A casual way to express regret or disappointment.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys a sense of mild disappointment but in a less formal manner.

Example:
It’s too bad you missed the event. It was fun!

Best Use:
In casual conversations with friends or colleagues when you want to express mild regret.

Worst Use:
In serious or formal settings where a more professional tone is required.

Tone:
Casual, friendly, and empathetic.

It’s a Disappointment

Meaning:
Directly acknowledges that something is disappointing.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys straightforward disappointment without being too harsh.

Example:
It’s a disappointment that we won’t be able to continue the project.

Best Use:
In both professional and personal settings where you want to express disappointment neutrally.

Worst Use:
When trying to soften bad news in a very emotional or sensitive context.

Tone:
Neutral to slightly formal, empathetic.

I Wish I Could Do More

Meaning:
A heartfelt way to express that you wish the situation could be different.

Explanation:
This phrase shows empathy and a desire to help, even if you’re unable to do so.

Example:
I wish I could do more, but we’re unable to move forward with your request.

Best Use:
When compassionately delivering disappointing news, especially in personal or semi-professional settings.

Worst Use:
In formal communications where a more neutral tone is expected.

Tone:
Warm, empathetic, and sincere.

With Regret

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

Explanation:
This phrase introduces the negative news in a polished and respectful manner.

Example:
With regret, we must inform you that the position has been filled.

Best Use:
In formal settings, particularly in business or official correspondence.

Worst Use:
In informal settings, where it might sound overly formal.

Tone:
Formal, respectful, and considerate.

I Understand This is Disappointing

Meaning:
A phrase that acknowledges the disappointment of the situation.

Explanation:
This shows empathy by recognizing the emotional impact on the listener.

Example:
I understand this is disappointing, but we are unable to approve your request.

Best Use:
When you want to convey understanding and empathy in both professional and personal situations.

Worst Use:
When you need to remain very neutral or detached in your communication.

Tone:
Compassionate, understanding, and empathetic.

I’m Disheartened to Tell You

Meaning:
A deeply empathetic way to express that the news is sad or discouraging.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys that the speaker is emotionally affected by the situation.

Example:
I’m disheartened to tell you that we won’t be moving forward with your proposal.

Best Use:
In situations where you want to express deep empathy or shared disappointment.

Worst Use:
In formal, detached settings where a more professional tone is needed.

Tone:
Sincere, empathetic, and heartfelt.

It’s Regrettable

Meaning:
A slightly formal way to acknowledge that something is unfortunate.

Explanation:
This phrase expresses regret without sounding overly emotional or detached.

Example:
Regrettably, we could not finalize the deal by the deadline.

Best Use:
In professional settings where you want to express regret respectfully.

Worst Use:
In informal conversations where something more personal and direct may be more appropriate.

Tone:
Polite, formal, and respectful.

This is Not What I Had Hoped For

Meaning:
A phrase that conveys personal disappointment while softening the news.

Explanation:
This alternative conveys a sense of personal investment in the situation, making it feel more human.

Example:
This is not what I had hoped for, but we are unable to offer you the position.

Best Use:
When you want to show that you’re personally affected by the news, particularly in conversations with close colleagues or friends.

Worst Use:
In very formal or business-like contexts where personal emotions may seem out of place.

Tone:
Personal, compassionate, and empathetic.

It’s with a Heavy Heart

Meaning:
A deeply emotional way to convey regret or sorrow.

Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the emotional weight of delivering bad news.

Example:
It’s with a heavy heart that I tell you we are unable to accept your application.

Best Use:
In sensitive or personal situations, where you want to show deep empathy.

Worst Use:
In professional, impersonal settings where a more neutral tone is required.

Tone:
Compassionate, sincere, and empathetic.

I Wish I Had Better News

Meaning:
A way to convey regret while expressing a desire to offer better news.

Explanation:
This phrase helps soften the message by showing that you wish the situation were different.

Example:
I wish I had better news, but we won’t be able to move forward with the partnership.

Best Use:
When you want to soften the blow and show that you care about the other person’s feelings.

Worst Use:
In situations that require a direct or factual delivery of bad news.

Tone:
Warm, empathetic, and sincere.

It’s a Real Letdown

Meaning:
A casual way to express disappointment or regret.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys a sense of personal disappointment casually.

Example:
It’s a real letdown that we couldn’t make the trip work.

Best Use:
In informal settings with friends or close colleagues where you want to express empathy in a laid-back way.

Worst Use:
In formal or professional settings, where a more respectful or neutral tone is required.

Tone:
Casual, conversational, and relatable.

This Isn’t Ideal

Meaning:
A neutral way to express that the situation is less than perfect.

Explanation:
This phrase offers a mild expression of disappointment without being too strong.

Example:
This isn’t ideal, but we’ll have to reschedule the meeting.

Best Use:
In situations where you need to express mild disappointment without sounding too emotional.

Worst Use:
In situations where stronger regret or empathy is called for.

Tone:
Neutral, polite, and professional.

I Wish Things Were Different

Meaning:
A gentle way to express regret, showing a personal desire for a different outcome.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys personal investment in the situation, expressing a sense of shared regret.

Example:
I wish things were different, but we’re unable to offer you a position at this time.

Best Use:
When you want to show empathy while delivering disappointing news.

Worst Use:
In situations that require a more objective or formal approach.

Tone:
Warm, sincere, and compassionate.

I Understand How You Feel

Meaning:
A way to acknowledge the other person’s emotions, showing empathy.

Explanation:
This phrase validates the feelings of the listener while offering support.

Example:
I understand how you feel. It’s tough when things don’t go as planned.

Best Use:
In personal or semi-professional settings where you want to show that you empathize with the other person’s feelings.

Worst Use:
In formal settings where emotional expression is less appropriate.

Tone:
Supportive, empathetic, and understanding.

I’m Disappointed to Say

Meaning:
A gentle way to introduce bad news, expressing a personal sense of regret.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys a sense of disappointment, softening the delivery with personal involvement.

Example:
I’m disappointed to say that we can’t approve your proposal at this time.

Best Use:
In both personal and professional situations where you want to show empathy and personal regret.

Worst Use:
In situations where a more objective or neutral delivery is needed.

Tone:
Warm, empathetic, and personal.

It’s Hard to Say

Meaning:
Expresses difficulty in delivering bad news, showing that the situation is tough.

Explanation:
This phrase signals that the speaker finds it challenging to share the news, offering a more compassionate tone.

Example:
It’s hard to say, but we won’t be able to move forward with your proposal.

Best Use:
In personal or semi-professional conversations where empathy is important.

Worst Use:
In formal or business contexts where a more direct or neutral approach is needed.

Tone:
Compassionate, understanding, and sincere.

It’s Regrettable to Report

Meaning:
A formal and professional phrase used to convey regret about a situation.

Explanation:
This phrase is used to communicate that the news is disappointing or unfortunate while maintaining a level of professionalism.

Example:
It’s regrettable to report that we are unable to proceed with the partnership.

Best Use:
In professional or formal communications where respect and formality are important.

Worst Use:
In casual settings where a more relaxed tone is preferred.

Tone:
Formal, respectful, and professional.

I Was Hoping for a Better Outcome

Meaning:
A personal expression of regret, showing that the speaker had wished for a different result.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys the speaker’s desire for a better outcome, softening the news with a personal touch.

Example:
I was hoping for a better outcome, but we will not be able to proceed with your application.

Best Use:
When you want to show empathy and personal involvement in the situation.

Worst Use:
In formal settings where more direct language may be necessary.

Tone:
Warm, empathetic, and personal.

I Can’t Say I’m Pleased

Meaning:
A more informal way of expressing that the news is disappointing, without being overly formal.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys personal displeasure about the situation while maintaining a conversational tone.

Example:
I can’t say I’m pleased, but the event has been canceled.

Best Use:
In informal conversations where you want to express personal regret or disappointment.

Worst Use:
In professional settings, where a more polished or neutral tone may be more appropriate.

Tone:
Casual, conversational, and slightly regretful.

It’s a Tough Pill to Swallow

Meaning:
A figurative way to express that the news is hard to accept or deal with.

Explanation:
This expression conveys that the situation is challenging to accept, adding a touch of empathy.

Example:
It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we’ll need to postpone the project.

Best Use:
In casual settings when you want to emphasize the emotional difficulty of the situation.

Worst Use:
In professional or formal situations where a more straightforward or formal expression is needed.

Tone:
Casual, empathetic, and relatable.

I Understand This Might Be Disappointing

Meaning:
Acknowledges the possible disappointment the other person might feel, showing empathy.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys an understanding of the emotional impact the news might have on the recipient.

Example:
I understand this might be disappointing, but we cannot grant your request at this time.

Best Use:
In both personal and professional contexts when you want to empathize with the other person’s feelings.

Worst Use:
In situations where you need to remain detached and impersonal.

Tone:
Compassionate, understanding, and warm.

It’s Unfortunate, But Necessary

Meaning:
A way to express that the situation is unfortunate but that the action taken is required or unavoidable.

Explanation:
This phrase conveys that although the news is disappointing, it is something that has to be done.

Example:
It’s unfortunate, but necessary that we make these changes to the schedule.

Best Use:
When you want to express both regret and the necessity of a decision.

Worst Use:
In sensitive situations where a softer approach might be better.

Tone:
Neutral, with a focus on practicality and regret.

I Can’t Help but Feel Disappointed

Meaning:
An expression of personal regret, showing that the speaker is emotionally affected by the situation.

Explanation:
This phrase adds a personal touch, showing that the speaker is personally affected by the news they’re delivering.

Example:
I can’t help but feel disappointed that we won’t be able to proceed with your proposal.

Best Use:
In situations where you want to show genuine emotion and empathy, especially in personal conversations.

Worst Use:
In professional or formal contexts, where a more neutral approach might be appropriate.

Tone:
Personal, empathetic, and sincere.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re speaking with a friend, colleague, or client, the words you choose can make someone feel heard and understood. Experiment with these alternatives to find the ones that best suit your communication style and the message you need to share. Ultimately, it’s about showing that you care and are mindful of the other person’s feelings while still delivering the necessary information.