40 Ways To Say “Unfortunately” (Real Examples)

 Looking for alternatives to the word “unfortunately”? Whether you’re drafting a professional email, delivering disappointing news with grace, or just want to sound a bit more human and less robotic, this article has you covered. 

Below are 40 creative, professional, and even humorous ways to say “unfortunately”—each with meaning, tone, best use, and real-world examples.

What Does “Unfortunately” Mean?

 The word “unfortunately” is used to introduce bad news, express regret, or signal that something disappointing or undesirable has happened. It softens the impact of a negative statement and prepares the listener or reader for unfavorable information. 

Often used in both professional and personal communication, it conveys empathy and understanding, making it a polite way to break unpleasant news or acknowledge setbacks without sounding harsh or abrupt.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Unfortunately”?

 Yes, using “unfortunately” is both professional and polite when delivering bad news or expressing regret. It’s a respectful way to acknowledge a negative outcome without sounding blunt or insensitive. 

In formal communication—such as emails, reports, or customer service—it helps soften the message and shows empathy. However, overusing it can make your tone sound overly apologetic or repetitive, so it’s smart to vary your phrasing with suitable alternatives when appropriate.

✅ Advantages of Saying “Unfortunately”

1. Softens Bad News

• Why it works: “Unfortunately” cushions the blow when delivering negative or disappointing information.
  
• Ideal for: Customer support emails, rejection letters, formal updates.
  
• Example: “Unfortunately, we’re unable to approve your request at this time.”

2. Maintains Professionalism

• Why it works: It’s a respectful and neutral way to express regret or decline something.
  
• Ideal for: Job applications, business communications, client interactions.
  
• Example: “Unfortunately, the position has already been filled.”

3. Universally Understood

• Why it works: “Unfortunately” is widely recognized and immediately signals a change in tone.
  
• Ideal for: Global communications, cross-cultural messages, educational settings.
  
• Example: “Unfortunately, this product is no longer in stock.”

4. Conveys Empathy

• Why it works: The word shows you acknowledge the impact of the bad news on the recipient.
  
• Ideal for: Apologies, customer service responses, sensitive announcements.
  
• Example: “Unfortunately, we’re unable to issue a refund for this purchase.”

5. Polished Yet Neutral

• Why it works: It avoids emotional extremes—neither too apologetic nor too cold.
  
• Ideal for: Formal documents, news briefings, executive statements.
  
• Example: “Unfortunately, our team was not selected for the next round.”

⚠️ Disadvantages of Saying “Unfortunately”

1. Can Sound Overused or Robotic

• Why it’s a drawback: Repeated use of “unfortunately” in emails or conversations can make your tone feel scripted or impersonal.
  
• Better Alternative: Use varied expressions like “It is with regret” or “I’m afraid.”
  
• Example: Instead of “Unfortunately, we can’t help,” try “I’m afraid we don’t offer that service at the moment.”

2. May Signal Negativity Too Quickly

• Why it’s a drawback: Opening with “unfortunately” instantly puts the reader in a negative mindset.
  
• Better Alternative: Start with something positive, then ease into the regretful news.
  
• Example: “We appreciate your interest. While we’re excited about your background, we’re afraid the role has already been filled.”

3. Lacks Personal Touch

• Why it’s a drawback: “Unfortunately” can feel generic in heartfelt or highly emotional situations.
  
• Better Alternative: Use more empathetic alternatives like “With deep regret” or “It saddens me to inform you.”
  
• Example: “It saddens me to inform you that your application was not successful this time.”

4. Too Formal for Casual Situations

• Why it’s a drawback: Using “unfortunately” in relaxed, friendly interactions can sound stiff.
  
• Better Alternative: Use simpler or softer phrases like “This didn’t quite work out” or “It’s a bit of a bummer.”
  
• Example: “Bummer, I won’t be able to make it!” instead of “Unfortunately, I cannot attend.”

5. Not Always Emotionally Supportive

• Why it’s a drawback: In personal or empathetic messages, it may not provide the emotional comfort the recipient needs.
  
• Better Alternative: Use caring language like “I truly regret” or “My heart goes out to you.”
  
• Example: “My heart goes out to you during this time” is more appropriate than “Unfortunately, your loss is acknowledged.”

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🎯 When to Say “Unfortunately” — And When to Choose Alternatives

Aspect	Details
Meaning	Used to introduce regret or disappointment in a neutral, professional way.
Definition	A polite transition into bad news, used to express that something is not ideal.
Explanation	Helps prepare the recipient for negative or unwanted information respectfully.
Example	“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to move forward with your application.”
Best Use	Business emails, service updates, academic settings, formal rejections.
Tone	Professional, empathetic, formal — varies based on context and audience.

Full List of 30 Alternatives to “Unfortunately” in a Formal Email:

1. Regrettably

Meaning: Expresses sorrow or disappointment.
Tone: Formal, professional.
Use: Best for emails, formal apologies, or professional rejections.
Example: “Regrettably, we are unable to proceed with your application at this time.”
Why Use It: A go-to for sounding classy and respectful.

2. Sadly

Meaning: Suggests emotional sorrow or disappointment.
Tone: Neutral to emotional.
Use: Good for casual to semi-formal communication.
Example: “Sadly, the event has been canceled due to weather.”
Why Use It: Adds a touch of empathy.

3. It’s With Regret

Meaning: Introduces bad news in a dignified way.
Tone: Formal, sincere.
Use: Ideal for formal announcements or official emails.
Example: “It’s with regret that we must decline your invitation.”
Why Use It: Sounds polished and respectful.

4. I’m Afraid

Meaning: Softens the blow before delivering negative news.
Tone: Gentle, conversational.
Use: Great for personal conversations or polite business talk.
Example: “I’m afraid we don’t have any openings at the moment.”
Why Use It: Makes bad news feel less harsh.

5. Unfortunately, It Appears

Meaning: A formal way to introduce factual or discovered disappointments.
Tone: Professional, analytical.
Use: Suitable for customer service or reporting.
Example: “Unfortunately, it appears your payment didn’t go through.”
Why Use It: Adds authority while remaining polite.

6. Disappointingly

Meaning: Highlights a letdown or negative outcome.
Tone: Slightly emotional.
Use: Use in newsletters or recaps.
Example: “Disappointingly, the new features didn’t meet expectations.”
Why Use It: Shows transparency while acknowledging feelings.

7. I’m Sorry to Say

Meaning: Direct but personal way to deliver bad news.
Tone: Apologetic, empathetic.
Use: Use in friendly or team communication.
Example: “I’m sorry to say your proposal wasn’t approved.”
Why Use It: Makes the message feel more human.

8. Regretfully

Meaning: Indicates personal or organizational remorse.
Tone: Formal, empathetic.
Use: Appropriate in formal notices or leadership communication.
Example: “Regretfully, we must terminate the agreement.”
Why Use It: Sounds sincere without being overly emotional.

9. It Is With Regret That

Meaning: Classic phrase for formal rejections or sad announcements.
Tone: High-level professional.
Use: Best in official documentation.
Example: “It is with regret that we inform you of your application status.”
Why Use It: Time-tested and polished.

10. Unhappily

Meaning: Communicates dissatisfaction or sadness.
Tone: Slightly poetic.
Use: More suited for creative writing or reflective content.
Example: “Unhappily, the outcome was not in our favor.”
Why Use It: Adds stylistic flair.

11. Alas

Meaning: Old-fashioned but dramatic way to express regret.
Tone: Dramatic, humorous, or literary.
Use: Use sparingly for flair.
Example: “Alas, we missed the train by mere minutes!”
Why Use It: Fun, theatrical, and tongue-in-cheek.

12. Lamentably

Meaning: Describes something worthy of lament.
Tone: Formal, old-school.
Use: Ideal for reports or historical writing.
Example: “Lamentably, the project was discontinued due to lack of funds.”
Why Use It: High-brow tone adds sophistication.

13. With Sorrow

Meaning: Deeply emotional regret.
Tone: Formal, heartfelt.
Use: Best for condolences or serious situations.
Example: “With sorrow, we announce the passing of our founder.”
Why Use It: Conveys true emotional depth.

14. We Are Disheartened to Inform You

Meaning: Gently delivers bad news with empathy.
Tone: Corporate yet warm.
Use: Suitable for HR, customer updates.
Example: “We are disheartened to inform you that we’re discontinuing this service.”
Why Use It: Balanced tone for sensitive updates.

15. With Deep Regret

Meaning: Strong sense of remorse.
Tone: Serious, respectful.
Use: Suitable for critical business communications.
Example: “With deep regret, we have to cancel your interview.”
Why Use It: Heightens the gravity of the message.

16. It Is With a Heavy Heart

Meaning: Deeply emotional way to deliver tough news.
Tone: Emotional, dramatic.
Use: Ideal for eulogies, personal messages.
Example: “It is with a heavy heart that I leave this team.”
Why Use It: Evokes strong emotional connection.

17. I Must Express My Regret

Meaning: States personal disappointment clearly.
Tone: Formal, honest.
Use: Good in diplomatic or academic writing.
Example: “I must express my regret that the outcome wasn’t favorable.”
Why Use It: Professional and self-aware.

18. With Great Regret

Meaning: Amplifies the depth of disappointment.
Tone: Formal, expressive.
Use: Perfect for official or ceremonial statements.
Example: “With great regret, we bid farewell to our CEO.”
Why Use It: Leaves a lasting impression.

19. To Our Disappointment

Meaning: Expresses collective regret.
Tone: Team-oriented, honest.
Use: Useful for group announcements.
Example: “To our disappointment, the partnership didn’t come to fruition.”
Why Use It: Shows shared sentiment.

20. Regrettable as It Is

Meaning: Acknowledges the unfortunate nature.
Tone: Professional, diplomatic.
Use: Suitable in decision-making contexts.
Example: “Regrettable as it is, we can’t make the exception.”
Why Use It: Balanced tone for difficult choices.

21. It Is Regrettable

Meaning: Direct and formal.
Tone: Objective, firm.
Use: Corporate or academic use.
Example: “It is regrettable that we must increase our prices.”
Why Use It: Adds authority and detachment.

22. It Is with Disappointment

Meaning: Expresses displeasure with clarity.
Tone: Calm but clear.
Use: Great for boardroom or client-facing messages.
Example: “It is with disappointment we share the quarterly loss.”
Why Use It: Blends formality with emotion.

23. We Regret to Inform

Meaning: Traditional notice phrase.
Tone: Corporate, neutral.
Use: Standard in formal rejections.
Example: “We regret to inform you your application was unsuccessful.”
Why Use It: Widely accepted and safe.

24. I’m Sorry to Report

Meaning: Introduces unwelcome news.
Tone: Apologetic, conversational.
Use: Business or casual contexts.
Example: “I’m sorry to report the bug is still unresolved.”
Why Use It: Feels human and soft.

25. Regrettably, We Must

Meaning: Leads into an action you wish wasn’t necessary.
Tone: Formal, diplomatic.
Use: Use in management or HR situations.
Example: “Regrettably, we must let you go.”
Why Use It: Respectful, serious tone.

26. I Must Regrettably Inform You

Meaning: Adds formality to personal regret.
Tone: High-formal.
Use: Ideal for rejections, policy enforcement.
Example: “I must regrettably inform you of the denial.”
Why Use It: Professional and clear.

27. Unfortunately, We Find Ourselves in a Position Where

Meaning: Leads into an unavoidable situation.
Tone: Legal, structured.
Use: Use in delicate business negotiations.
Example: “Unfortunately, we find ourselves in a position where we must end the contract.”
Why Use It: Strategic for soft landings.

28. It Is with Some Regret

Meaning: A moderate expression of disappointment.
Tone: Mildly formal.
Use: Best for nuanced situations.
Example: “It is with some regret that we must reschedule.”
Why Use It: Adds nuance without over-apologizing.

29. It Saddens Me to Inform

Meaning: Strongly emotional and personal.
Tone: Deeply empathetic.
Use: Personal, sensitive matters.
Example: “It saddens me to inform you that the team will be dissolved.”
Why Use It: Genuine, heartfelt impact.

30. We Are Disappointed to Share

Meaning: Expresses collective regret clearly.
Tone: Honest, neutral.
Use: Useful in newsletters, public updates.
Example: “We are disappointed to share that the app launch is delayed.”
Why Use It: Honest without being overly dramatic.

31. This Isn’t Ideal

Meaning: Suggests the situation is suboptimal without being overly dramatic.
Tone: Mild, conversational.
Use: Best for workplace chats or product/service updates.
Example: “This isn’t ideal, but we’ll need to push back the deadline by two days.”
Why Use It: Understates the issue while keeping communication professional.

32. Not the Outcome We Hoped For

Meaning: Acknowledges disappointment in a constructive way.
Tone: Reflective, empathetic.
Use: Great for team meetings, performance reviews, or stakeholder communications.
Example: “Not the outcome we hoped for, but a learning experience nonetheless.”
Why Use It: Highlights optimism and forward thinking.

33. We Hate to Be the Bearer of Bad News

Meaning: Softens the impact by adding a human, even humorous, touch.
Tone: Lighthearted, conversational.
Use: Use in emails, marketing updates, or product notices.
Example: “We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your order has been delayed.”
Why Use It: Adds relatability and personality to otherwise negative updates.

34. We Regret the Circumstances

Meaning: Expresses remorse over an uncontrollable situation.
Tone: Formal, composed.
Use: Ideal for public announcements or leadership communications.
Example: “We regret the circumstances that led to this service disruption.”
Why Use It: Professional and diplomatic, especially during crisis communication.

35. Things Didn’t Go as Planned

Meaning: Acknowledges a deviation from expected results in a straightforward way.
Tone: Honest, casual.
Use: Great for team retrospectives, status updates, or informal meetings.
Example: “Things didn’t go as planned, but we’ve identified what went wrong.”
Why Use It: Transparent and humble tone.

36. Circumstances Have Changed

Meaning: Indicates that external factors are now unfavorable.
Tone: Formal, neutral.
Use: Use in professional pivots or revised plans.
Example: “Circumstances have changed, and we must reconsider our approach.”
Why Use It: Maintains professionalism while justifying change.

37. This Puts Us in a Tough Spot

Meaning: Highlights difficulty or challenge arising from a situation.
Tone: Candid, conversational.
Use: Suitable for internal communication, team updates, or honest leadership.
Example: “This puts us in a tough spot, but we’ll adapt.”
Why Use It: Encourages problem-solving while being real.

38. We’re in an Unfortunate Position

Meaning: Describes a setback without directly blaming anyone.
Tone: Polite, formal.
Use: Use when explaining an unavoidable or sensitive business decision.
Example: “We’re in an unfortunate position and must downsize our event.”
Why Use It: Maintains objectivity and clarity.

39. Timing Just Didn’t Work Out

Meaning: Suggests bad timing rather than personal failure.
Tone: Neutral, non-blaming.
Use: Great for partnerships, proposals, or scheduling conflicts.
Example: “Timing just didn’t work out for us to collaborate this quarter.”
Why Use It: Smooth and diplomatic way to reject or delay.

40. Let’s Just Say… It Didn’t Go According to Plan

Meaning: Adds humor and humility to a mishap.
Tone: Playful, self-deprecating.
Use: Ideal for presentations, storytelling, or casual internal recaps.
Example: “Let’s just say… it didn’t go according to plan, but we learned a lot!”
Why Use It: Makes light of failure and shows resilience.

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✅ Conclusion

Choosing the right words matters—especially when delivering bad news. In both professional and personal communication, how you say something can shape how it’s received. That’s why exploring fresh, empathetic, or even humorous alternatives to “unfortunately” can make your message sound more thoughtful and well-crafted.

This guide, “40 Ways To Say ‘Unfortunately’ (Real Examples)”, gives you a wide range of options tailored to different tones and audiences. Whether you’re writing an email, speaking to a client, or just texting a friend, these expressions help you stay polite, clear, and emotionally aware. Use them wisely to strengthen relationships and maintain professionalism—even in difficult conversations.

❓FAQ’s

What is a professional alternative to saying “Unfortunately”?

Professional alternatives include “Regrettably”, “It is with regret that”, and “We regret to inform you.” These phrases soften the delivery of negative news while maintaining a polished tone suitable for business or official communication.

Can I use “Unfortunately” in a job interview or resume?

It’s best to avoid it in a resume, as it focuses on negatives. In a job interview, it can be used sparingly to explain challenges or setbacks, but balance it with positive takeaways. Instead, say things like “While this was a challenge, I learned…” to keep the tone proactive.

What’s a funny way to say “Unfortunately”?

Humorous takes include “Welp…”, “This puts us in a tough spot”, or “Let’s just say… it didn’t go according to plan.” These make light of the situation while still getting the message across, especially useful in casual or friendly conversations.

Is it okay to say “Unfortunately” to a customer?

Yes, but keep it empathetic and helpful. Pair it with a solution or next step, like: “Unfortunately, this item is out of stock. However, we expect new inventory next week.” Too many “unfortunatelys” in customer support can sound robotic—mix it up with alternatives like “I’m afraid” or “Regretfully.”

Why should I use synonyms for “Unfortunately”?

Using different expressions can avoid repetition, tailor tone to your audience, and make your writing sound more human and thoughtful. With so many creative and professional alternatives covered in “40 Ways To Say ‘Unfortunately’ (Real Examples)”, you can better match your message to the moment.

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