adj. (sorrier, sorriest) 1 (predic.) pained or regretful or penitent (were sorry for what they had done; am sorry that you have to go). 2 (predic.; foll. by for) feeling pity or sympathy for (a person). 3 as an expression of apology. 4 wretched; in a poor state (a sorry sight). sorry for oneself dejected. sorrily adv. sorriness n.
[ OE sarig f. WG (as SORE, -Y(2)) ]