regrets

word · lemma: regret

/ɹɪˈɡɹɛts/
ri-GRETS
/ɹɪɡɹˈɛts/
ri-GRETS

Definition

Feelings of sadness or disappointment about something you did, did not do, or that happened in the past. It can also refer to polite expressions of sorrow, but this plural noun usually means past things you wish had been different.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used in phrases like 'have regrets', 'live with regrets', and 'no regrets'. 'Regret' is also a verb ('I regret saying that'), but here the plural noun focuses on emotional results from past choices. 'Regrets' can sound deeper and more personal than simple 'mistakes'.

Example Sentences

She has a few regrets about leaving school early.

basic

He looked back on his life with no regrets.

basic

I try not to dwell on old regrets, but some still come back at night.

natural

By the time he apologized, her regrets had already turned into anger.

natural

My biggest regrets are the chances I never took.

basic

No regrets — at least we gave it a real shot.

natural