In this article, we’ll explore 10 other ways to say “unfortunately” in a formal email, with scenarios for each. You’ll learn how to replace this commonly used word with other options to maintain clarity and empathy in your writing. Key semantic keywords and keyword variations will be naturally included to give depth to the explanations.
Here are 10 other ways to say “unfortunately” in a formal email:
- Regrettably
- I’m Afraid
- It Is with Regret
- Sadly
- Much to My Disappointment
- We Regret to Inform You
- As Much as We Would Like To
- It Is Unfortunate
- Regretfully
- Disappointingly
1. Regrettably
“Regrettably” is an excellent formal alternative to “unfortunately.” It expresses a sense of disappointment or sorrow for the given situation. This word is often used when expressing apologies or sharing bad news politely in a business setting.
Example:
Subject: Delay in Project Delivery
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Regrettably, due to unforeseen technical challenges, we will be unable to meet the original deadline for the project. Our team is working diligently to ensure the final delivery occurs by the end of next week.
We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support. Should you have any concerns or require additional updates, please feel free to reach out.
Best regards,
Sarah Williams
Project Manager
In this scenario, the use of “regrettably” emphasizes the sender’s disappointment while maintaining a professional tone.
2. I’m Afraid
Though slightly informal, “I’m afraid” can be used in formal emails when you want to soften the impact of bad news. It introduces the statement gently and can sound empathetic.
Example:
Subject: Application Outcome
Dear Ms. Parker,
I’m afraid we cannot move forward with your application at this time due to internal restructuring within our company. However, we will retain your information for future openings.
Thank you for your interest in working with us, and we hope to have another opportunity to connect in the future.
Best regards,
David Thompson
HR Manager
Here, “I’m afraid” softens the rejection and maintains professionalism while showing respect to the recipient.
3. It Is with Regret
A more formal and somewhat traditional phrase, “It is with regret” adds a strong sense of formality when you need to convey serious or disappointing news.
Example:
Subject: Postponement of the Annual Conference
Dear Team,
It is with regret that I must inform you of the decision to postpone our annual conference due to the ongoing situation with the venue. We understand that this is inconvenient, but we are committed to rescheduling at the earliest possible date.
We will keep you updated with any further developments and sincerely appreciate your understanding.
Best regards,
Emily Carter
Event Coordinator
This phrase is ideal for formal communications where the message has significant impact on the recipient.
4. Sadly
“Sadly” conveys an emotional weight, expressing personal or organizational disappointment. This can be effective in showing empathy when relaying bad news.
Example:
Subject: Declining Sponsorship Request
Dear Mr. Nguyen,
Sadly, we are unable to sponsor your upcoming event this year due to budget constraints. We admire your cause and hope to collaborate in the future when circumstances improve.
Thank you for considering us, and we wish you every success with your event.
Kind regards,
Charlotte Harris
Marketing Director
By using “sadly,” the message conveys sincerity and respect, acknowledging the unfortunate situation.
5. Much to My Disappointment
This phrase is ideal when you want to express personal regret while maintaining formality. “Much to my disappointment” can be particularly useful in emails where you share unfavorable news with colleagues or clients.
Example:
Subject: Changes to Client Meeting Schedule
Dear Mrs. Lopez,
Much to my disappointment, I will not be able to attend tomorrow’s meeting due to an urgent commitment that requires my immediate attention. However, I have ensured that my colleague, John Myers, will be present to address all agenda items.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to catching up with you after the meeting.
Sincerely,
Jessica Taylor
Client Relations Manager
This phrase highlights personal investment in the situation while keeping the tone professional.
6. We Regret to Inform You
A classic formal expression, “We regret to inform you” is often used in corporate settings when communicating sensitive information, such as job rejections or business updates.
Example:
Subject: Job Application Decision
Dear Mr. Patel,
We regret to inform you that, after careful consideration, we have selected another candidate for the role. We appreciate your interest in our company and encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.
Best regards,
John Bennett
Recruitment Officer
This phrase sets a serious tone and is commonly used when communicating difficult decisions.
7. As Much as We Would Like To
When delivering bad news while showing a desire to provide a different outcome, “As much as we would like to” is an effective way to express both disappointment and understanding.
Example:
Subject: Request for an Extension
Dear Mr. Collins,
As much as we would like to approve your request for a project extension, we are unable to accommodate it due to our tight deadline with other clients. We understand the challenges you are facing, but we must adhere to the agreed timeline.
Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to support you during this time.
Sincerely,
Brian Adams
Operations Manager
This phrase conveys empathy while still delivering the necessary denial of the request.
8. It Is Unfortunate
Similar to “unfortunately,” but with a slight change in structure, “It is unfortunate” can introduce a more formal tone when sharing negative information.
Example:
Subject: Delay in Shipment
Dear Mr. Green,
It is unfortunate that the shipment has been delayed due to issues with our supplier. We are working to expedite the process and expect your order to arrive by next Tuesday.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Best regards,
Lucy Brown
Supply Chain Coordinator
By shifting the phrase slightly, the email remains formal while avoiding the repetitiveness of “unfortunately.”
9. Regretfully
“Regretfully” is another formal alternative that can be used when expressing a sense of remorse. It closely mirrors “regrettably” but has its own nuances.
Example:
Subject: Declining Speaking Engagement Invitation
Dear Ms. Foster,
Regretfully, I am unable to accept your invitation to speak at the upcoming conference due to prior commitments. I appreciate the opportunity and hope to participate in a future event.
Thank you once again for considering me, and I wish you all the best with your conference.
Kind regards,
Michael Reed
Chief Executive Officer
“Regretfully” emphasizes the speaker’s personal remorse while maintaining a respectful tone.
10. Disappointingly
“Disappointingly” allows you to convey your feelings regarding an outcome, especially when you feel strongly about the situation.
Example:
Subject: Feedback on Proposal
Dear Ms. Sanchez,
Disappointingly, the proposal did not meet the client’s expectations, and we will need to make significant revisions before moving forward. However, we are confident that, with a few adjustments, we can meet the requirements successfully.
Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss the necessary changes.
Best regards,
Alex Turner
Business Development Manager
This phrase shows personal disappointment and sets the stage for finding a solution.
Conclusion
In formal email communication, it’s important to have a variety of alternatives to “unfortunately” at your disposal. By using these synonyms, you can add nuance to your messages, softening the impact of bad news while keeping a professional tone. Whether you’re using latent semantic indexing to identify the most relevant related keywords or expanding your vocabulary with semantic keywords, the key is to remain empathetic and respectful in your communication.
These phrases allow you to express regret or disappointment without sounding overly negative or repetitive. As a professional, knowing how to effectively communicate under difficult circumstances not only strengthens your keyword variations but also reinforces your overall credibility.
Steel Morgan is an experienced blogger passionate about language and writing. On Grammarcove. he shares his expertise in grammar, punctuation, and effective communication, making complex rules simple and accessible for readers. With a knack for clear explanations and engaging content, Steel aims to help others master the art of language.
