23 Other Ways to Say “Unfortunately”

“Unfortunately” is a commonly used adverb that introduces a negative outcome, disappointment, or regret in a polite and often softened manner. For instance, when someone says, “Unfortunately, we missed the last train,” they are conveying an unwanted or unfavorable result while maintaining a tone of courtesy and subtle restraint.

However, relying too heavily on the word “unfortunately” can lead to repetitive writing or speech, and in some situations, it might not convey the precise emotional nuance or degree of formality required. Thankfully, English offers a wide range of synonyms and phrases that can replace “unfortunately,” each carrying its own tone, implication, and context. Whether you’re writing an email, breaking news, or delivering bad news in a sensitive way, these alternatives provide more expressive and purposeful language choices.

Other Ways to Say “Unfortunately”

1. Regrettably

Example: “Regrettably, the event has been postponed due to bad weather.”
Meaning: Expresses sincere sorrow or disappointment for an event or circumstance.
Usage: Common in formal writing or speech, especially when acknowledging a negative development with politeness.

2. Sadly

Example: “Sadly, our team didn’t qualify for the final round.”
Meaning: Emphasizes emotional disappointment or personal sorrow about an outcome.
Usage: Often used in conversational or heartfelt contexts, where emotion is more pronounced.

3. Unluckily

Example: “Unluckily, his application arrived just after the deadline.”
Meaning: Suggests that the situation resulted from bad luck rather than personal failure or responsibility.
Usage: More casual, suitable for informal writing or spoken English.

4. It’s a shame

Example: “It’s a shame we won’t get to see them before they leave.”
Meaning: Expresses mild disappointment or regret in a sympathetic, conversational tone.
Usage: Works well in everyday dialogue or informal messaging.

5. Alas

Example: “Alas, the solution came too late to save the project.”
Meaning: A dramatic or literary expression of sorrow or concern.
Usage: Often used in formal, poetic, or literary writing for stylistic effect.

6. Disappointingly

Example: “Disappointingly, the results did not meet our expectations.”
Meaning: Conveys a sense of failure to meet hopes or anticipated outcomes.
Usage: Suitable for formal assessments, reviews, or analytical commentary.

7. To our dismay

Example: “To our dismay, the product was recalled after launch.”
Meaning: Highlights a collective feeling of shock or deep disappointment.
Usage: Often used in corporate or group-oriented statements.

8. With regret

Example: “With regret, we must inform you that your reservation has been canceled.”
Meaning: Communicates polite acknowledgment of a negative outcome, while taking a formal tone.
Usage: Highly appropriate in professional emails, letters, or announcements.

9. It is unfortunate

Example: “It is unfortunate that the proposal was rejected without review.”
Meaning: A neutral and objective way to express disappointment.
Usage: Frequently used in business or academic writing to maintain professionalism.

10. Not ideally

Example: “Not ideally, the repairs will take longer than expected.”
Meaning: Indicates that something is not occurring under the best or preferred circumstances.
Usage: Works well in presentations or casual explanations when softening bad news.

11. Adversely

Example: “This decision will adversely affect small businesses.”
Meaning: Emphasizes harmful or negative consequences, often in policy or factual statements.
Usage: Common in journalism, formal writing, or economic discussions.

12. Dismayingly

Example: “Dismayingly, the rates of pollution continue to rise.”
Meaning: Suggests an alarming or upsetting trend.
Usage: Useful in editorial, scientific, or advocacy writing.

13. In a sad turn of events

Example: “In a sad turn of events, the beloved restaurant has closed permanently.”
Meaning: Describes a change in situation that brings sorrow or regret.
Usage: Works well in storytelling, news reporting, or emotional contexts.

14. Deplorably

Example: “Deplorably, the victims received no assistance during the crisis.”
Meaning: Highlights a situation that is morally wrong or deserving of strong criticism.
Usage: Best suited for formal or critical commentary, particularly when addressing serious concerns.

15. Troublingly

Example: “Troublingly, the data shows a consistent rise in dropout rates.”
Meaning: Points to something that causes concern or worry.
Usage: Ideal in formal discussions, especially involving trends or findings that need attention.

16. Woefully

Example: “Woefully, the budget was mismanaged at every level.”
Meaning: Emphasizes great disappointment or inadequacy in performance or outcome.
Usage: Suitable for strong editorial content, critique, or passionate speech.

17. It’s regrettable

Example: “It’s regrettable that this opportunity was not fully explored.”
Meaning: A slightly formal way to express that something unfortunate has occurred.
Usage: Common in professional discussions, formal meetings, or reports.

18. Painfully

Example: “Painfully, we had to say goodbye to some of our longest-serving employees.”
Meaning: Intensifies the emotional impact of a disappointing situation.
Usage: Appropriate when discussing emotionally charged topics or personal stories.

19. Dishearteningly

Example: “Dishearteningly, the volunteers’ efforts were overlooked.”
Meaning: Communicates a feeling of lost motivation or discouragement due to an outcome.
Usage: Effective in reflective or emotional writing, especially when showing discouragement.

20. To no avail

Example: “We tried to reach an agreement, but to no avail.”
Meaning: Indicates failure after trying hard or investing effort.
Usage: Often used in professional settings, narratives, or summaries of failed attempts.

21. Inopportunely

Example: “Inopportunely, the system crashed during the final presentation.”
Meaning: Highlights that something occurred at a bad or inconvenient time.
Usage: Appropriate in formal or descriptive writing.

22. Inevitably

Example: “Inevitably, delays arose due to the lack of preparation.”
Meaning: Suggests that the negative result was bound to happen based on circumstances.
Usage: Useful in analytical or explanatory contexts where outcomes were predictable.

23. It didn’t work out

Example: “We gave it our best shot, but sadly, it didn’t work out.”
Meaning: A soft and casual way to express that an effort failed.
Usage: Common in informal conversations or when comforting others.

When to Use Different “Unfortunately” Alternatives

In Professional Settings

In professional or workplace environments, it’s important to maintain a respectful and composed tone when sharing bad news or reflecting on undesired outcomes. Phrases like “with regret,” “it is unfortunate,” or “to our dismay” are often preferred because they convey seriousness and courtesy while avoiding emotional extremes.

In Casual Conversations

In everyday talk or informal messages, softer phrases like “sadly,” “it’s a shame,” or “it didn’t work out” offer a natural, more personal way to show empathy or disappointment. These choices sound less stiff and can help ease the impact of unpleasant news.

In Written Communication

For blog posts, emails, essays, or news stories, writers often vary tone depending on the audience. “Dishearteningly,” “inevitably,” and “woefully” might appear in more expressive or emotional narratives, while “adversely” or “troublingly” work well in objective reporting or data-driven commentary.

Conclusion

While “unfortunately” is a universally accepted word for introducing negative information, leaning on it too often can make your language repetitive or flat. By exploring other ways to express regret, misfortune, or disappointment—whether formal, emotional, or neutral—you can sharpen your tone, adjust your expression to the situation, and speak or write with greater purpose and clarity.

Expanding your vocabulary not only makes your communication more dynamic but also shows a deeper awareness of tone and context—essential traits in both professional and personal interactions.

FAQs

What does “unfortunately” mean?
It is an adverb used to express sadness, regret, or disappointment about an event or outcome.

Is “unfortunately” considered formal?
Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though some alternatives may be better suited depending on tone and audience.

Can “unfortunately” be replaced in professional writing?
Absolutely. Phrases like “with regret,” “it is unfortunate,” or “to our dismay” are more appropriate in formal and professional communication.

What’s the most emotional way to say “unfortunately”?
Words like “sadly,” “painfully,” or “woefully” carry stronger emotional weight, making them ideal for personal or heartfelt messages.

Is “alas” outdated?
“Alas” is still used, particularly in literary or dramatic contexts. It adds flair but should be used sparingly and thoughtfully.