/ rɪˈgret; NAmE / verb , noun
■ verb ( -tt- )
1.
to feel sorry about sth you have done or about sth that you have not been able to do :
[ vn ]
If you don't do it now, you'll only regret it .
The decision could be one he lives to regret .
'I've had a wonderful life,' she said, 'I don't regret a thing.'
[ v -ing ]
He bitterly regretted ever having mentioned it.
[ v wh- ]
I deeply regret what I said.
[also v that ]
2.
( formal ) used to say in a polite or formal way that you are sorry or sad about a situation : [ vn ]
The airline regrets any inconvenience.
[ v that ]
I regret that I am unable to accept your kind invitation.
[ v to inf ]
We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful.
[ vn that ]
It is to be regretted that so many young people leave school without qualifications.
■ noun
[ U , C ] a feeling of sadness or disappointment that you have because of sth that has happened or sth that you have done or not done :
It is with great regret that I accept your resignation.
She expressed her regret at the decision.
a pang / twinge of regret
I have no regrets about leaving Newcastle (= I do not feel sorry about it) .
What is your greatest regret (= the thing that you are most sorry about doing or not doing) ?
He gave up teaching in 2001, much to the regret of his students.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French regreter bewail (the dead).