Introduction
The word “unfortunately” is commonly used to introduce bad news, disappointment, or an unfavorable outcome. While it’s clear and widely accepted, relying on it too often especially in professional emails, reports, or customer communication can make your message sound repetitive, blunt, or overly negative. Choosing thoughtful alternatives allows you to soften the tone, sound more empathetic, or maintain professionalism while delivering difficult information. Whether you’re explaining a delay, declining a request, or addressing an issue, the right wording can preserve goodwill and clarity.
What Does “Unfortunately” Mean?
“Unfortunately” is an adverb used to express regret, disappointment, or an undesirable situation.
It signals that the information being shared is negative or less than ideal.
When to Use It
You can use “unfortunately” or its alternatives when:
- Delivering bad news
- Declining requests
- Explaining delays or limitations
- Writing professional or customer-facing messages
Examples:
- Unfortunately, the meeting has been postponed.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to proceed at this time.
Is It Polite or Professional?
Yes, it is professional, but it can sound abrupt or pessimistic if overused.
More nuanced alternatives often sound more empathetic, diplomatic, or polished.
35+ Other Ways to Say “Unfortunately”
1. Regrettably
Meaning: With regret
Tone: Formal
Example: Regrettably, we cannot approve the request.
Explanation: Polite and professional.
2. Sadly
Meaning: With sadness
Tone: Neutral
Example: Sadly, the event has been canceled.
Explanation: Emotional but sincere.
3. To our regret
Meaning: Expresses apology
Tone: Formal
Example: To our regret, the shipment is delayed.
Explanation: Corporate-friendly.
4. I’m afraid
Meaning: Softens bad news
Tone: Polite-professional
Example: I’m afraid the position has been filled.
Explanation: Gentle and conversational.
5. Much to our disappointment
Meaning: Expresses dissatisfaction
Tone: Formal
Example: Much to our disappointment, funding was denied.
Explanation: Reflective tone.
6. It is with regret that
Meaning: Formal announcement
Tone: Formal
Example: It is with regret that we must decline.
Explanation: Diplomatic phrasing.
7. Regretfully
Meaning: With remorse
Tone: Formal
Example: Regretfully, we are unable to assist.
Explanation: Respectful alternative.
8. To our dismay
Meaning: Unexpected disappointment
Tone: Formal
Example: To our dismay, the system failed.
Explanation: Emphasizes surprise.
9. With disappointment
Meaning: Expresses letdown
Tone: Neutral
Example: With disappointment, we note the delay.
Explanation: Calm and measured.
10. Sadly enough
Meaning: Emphasizes misfortune
Tone: Conversational
Example: Sadly enough, the offer has expired.
Explanation: Natural tone.
11. It’s unfortunate that
Meaning: Neutral expression
Tone: Professional
Example: It’s unfortunate that the deadline was missed.
Explanation: Objective and balanced.
12. To our regret and disappointment
Meaning: Stronger apology
Tone: Formal
Example: To our regret and disappointment, the service was interrupted.
Explanation: High-level communication.
13. Unhappily
Meaning: With displeasure
Tone: Formal
Example: Unhappily, the proposal was rejected.
Explanation: Literary tone.
14. To our concern
Meaning: Expresses worry
Tone: Formal
Example: To our concern, the issue remains unresolved.
Explanation: Professional caution.
15. With sincere regret
Meaning: Genuine apology
Tone: Formal
Example: With sincere regret, we must cancel the event.
Explanation: Apology-driven.
16. Regrettable as it is
Meaning: Acknowledges disappointment
Tone: Formal
Example: Regrettable as it is, changes are necessary.
Explanation: Thoughtful tone.
17. We regret to inform you
Meaning: Official bad news
Tone: Formal
Example: We regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful.
Explanation: Standard formal phrase.
18. Much to our regret
Meaning: Apologetic
Tone: Formal
Example: Much to our regret, the order cannot be fulfilled.
Explanation: Respectful and clear.
19. To our sorrow
Meaning: Deep disappointment
Tone: Formal
Example: To our sorrow, the project was discontinued.
Explanation: Emotional but formal.
20. With apologies
Meaning: Polite acknowledgment
Tone: Professional
Example: With apologies, the service is temporarily unavailable.
Explanation: Customer-service friendly.
21. Against our wishes
Meaning: Unwanted outcome
Tone: Professional
Example: Against our wishes, the event was postponed.
Explanation: Honest and transparent.
22. To our disappointment and regret
Meaning: Emphasizes apology
Tone: Formal
Example: To our disappointment and regret, the request was denied.
Explanation: Strong diplomatic tone.
23. Not as we had hoped
Meaning: Gentle disappointment
Tone: Polite
Example: The results were not as we had hoped.
Explanation: Softens negativity.
24. With regret and apologies
Meaning: Apologetic tone
Tone: Formal
Example: With regret and apologies, the deadline has changed.
Explanation: Courteous phrasing.
25. It is disappointing to note
Meaning: Expresses letdown
Tone: Formal
Example: It is disappointing to note the delay.
Explanation: Report-style language.
26. To our dissatisfaction
Meaning: Expresses displeasure
Tone: Formal
Example: To our dissatisfaction, the issue persists.
Explanation: Critical but professional.
27. Regrettably so
Meaning: Emphasized regret
Tone: Formal
Example: Regrettably so, the contract was terminated.
Explanation: Emphatic tone.
28. To our frustration
Meaning: Emotional response
Tone: Semi-formal
Example: To our frustration, the system remains offline.
Explanation: Honest but controlled.
29. With some regret
Meaning: Mild disappointment
Tone: Professional
Example: With some regret, we must reschedule.
Explanation: Softer alternative.
30. To our inconvenience
Meaning: Acknowledges difficulty
Tone: Professional
Example: To our inconvenience, the service was interrupted.
Explanation: Practical tone.
31. Regretfully speaking
Meaning: Formal introduction
Tone: Formal
Example: Regretfully speaking, the request cannot be approved.
Explanation: Structured delivery.
32. It pains us to say
Meaning: Emotional empathy
Tone: Warm-formal
Example: It pains us to say the project is canceled.
Explanation: Expresses care.
33. To our concern and regret
Meaning: Combines worry and apology
Tone: Formal
Example: To our concern and regret, the issue continues.
Explanation: Balanced tone.
34. With disappointment and regret
Meaning: Strong apology
Tone: Formal
Example: With disappointment and regret, the offer is withdrawn.
Explanation: Official tone.
35. Not without regret
Meaning: Acknowledges reluctance
Tone: Formal
Example: Not without regret, we must decline.
Explanation: Diplomatic phrasing.
36. To our sincere regret
Meaning: Deep apology
Tone: Formal
Example: To our sincere regret, the event is canceled.
Explanation: Strong formal alternative.
Conclusion
Replacing “unfortunately” with more thoughtful alternatives helps you deliver difficult messages with greater professionalism and empathy. Whether you’re communicating with clients, colleagues, or customers, the right phrasing can soften disappointment and maintain trust. These 35+ alternatives allow you to adjust tone from formal and apologetic to gentle and conversational—while keeping your message clear and respectful. Use them strategically to ensure your communication remains polished, considerate, and effective.
