Navigating professional conversations often requires careful phrasing, especially when delivering bad news or managing expectations. Words like “unfortunately” can soften the impact, but relying on them too often might feel repetitive or insincere. That’s where having a diverse vocabulary comes in handy!
This article will equip you with polished and professional alternatives to say “unfortunately” without losing the tone of tact and respect. Whether you’re crafting an email, presenting a proposal, or having a difficult conversation, these phrases will help you communicate more effectively.
Ready to level up your professional communication? Let’s dive in!
List of Professional Ways to Say “Unfortunately”
- Regrettably
- Sadly
- It’s Unfortunate That
- To My Regret
- With Regret
- I Am Sorry to Say
- It Is with Regret
- I Must Inform You
- I Regret to Inform You
- Unhappily
- I’m Afraid
- Regretfully
- I’m Sorry to Report
- It’s Disappointing That
- I’m Sorry to Announce
- With Sincere Regret
- It Is Disheartening
- I’m Saddened to Say
- Unfortunately, It Appears
- It’s Disheartening to Note
- I’m Sorry to Advise
- It Pains Me to Say
- It’s Unfortunate to Note
- I’m Reluctant to Say
- It’s Unlucky That
Regrettably
Scenario: Email informing a client about a delay in project delivery
Subject: Update on Project Timeline
Dear Leo,
Regrettably, we are facing an unexpected delay in the delivery of your project. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will need an additional week to complete the task. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and patience.
Best regards, Henry
Sadly
Scenario: Email informing a colleague about the cancellation of a meeting
Subject: Meeting Cancellation
Hi Leo,
Sadly, I have to inform you that the meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled. An urgent matter has come up that requires immediate attention. We will reschedule the meeting at the earliest convenience. Thank you for your flexibility.
Best, Henry
It’s Unfortunate That
Scenario: Email notifying a team about a project’s budget cut
Subject: Important Project Update
Dear Team,
Unfortunately, we have received a budget cut for our current project. This will necessitate some adjustments in our plans and scope. I appreciate your cooperation as we navigate these changes and continue to work towards our goals.
Sincerely, Henry
To My Regret
Scenario: Email informing a partner about the discontinuation of a product line
Subject: Discontinuation of Product Line
Dear Leo,
To my regret, we have decided to discontinue our XYZ product line. This decision was made after careful consideration of market trends and sales performance. We value our partnership and will work closely with you to minimize any disruption.
Best regards, Henry
With Regret
Scenario: Email notifying a client about a service disruption
Subject: Service Disruption Notification
Dear Leo,
With regret, I must inform you that there will be a temporary disruption in our services due to scheduled maintenance. The downtime is expected to last approximately three hours. We apologize for any inconvenience and will do our best to restore services as quickly as possible.
Best, Henry
I Am Sorry to Say
Scenario: Email informing an applicant about not being selected for a position
Subject: Application Update
Dear Leo,
I am sorry to say that we have decided to move forward with another candidate for the position. Your qualifications were impressive, and it was a tough decision. We will keep your resume on file for future opportunities. Thank you for your interest in our company.
Sincerely, Henry
It Is with Regret
Scenario: Email announcing a price increase to customers
Subject: Important Pricing Update
Dear Valued Customer,
It is with regret that we announce a price increase for our services starting next month. This decision was made to ensure the continued quality and sustainability of our offerings. We appreciate your understanding and continued support.
Best regards, Henry
I Must Inform You
Scenario: Email informing a colleague about a policy change
Subject: Policy Change Notification
Dear Leo,
I must inform you of a new policy change that will take effect next month. This change impacts our remote work arrangements. We will discuss the details and implications in our next team meeting. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Best, Henry
I Regret to Inform You
Scenario: Email notifying a client about a missed deadline
Subject: Missed Deadline Notification
Dear Leo,
I regret to inform you that we were unable to meet the agreed-upon deadline for your project. We encountered several challenges that delayed our progress. We are working diligently to complete the project as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely, Henry
Unhappily
Scenario: Email informing a team about a project’s cancellation
Subject: Project Cancellation
Dear Team,
Unhappily, I must announce that our current project has been canceled due to changes in company priorities. This decision was beyond our control. We will reassign you to new projects soon. Thank you for your hard work and understanding.
Best regards, Henry
I’m Afraid
Scenario: Email informing a customer about a back order situation
Subject: Backorder Notification
Dear Leo,
I’m afraid your recent order is currently on backorder. We are working with our suppliers to expedite the delivery. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience.
Best, Henry
Regretfully
Scenario: Email informing an employee about a denied leave request
Subject: Leave Request Update
Dear Leo,
Regretfully, your recent leave request has been denied due to staffing constraints. We understand the importance of personal time and will try to accommodate your request in the future. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely, Henry
I’m Sorry to Report
Scenario: Email informing a team about a failed project milestone
Subject: Project Milestone Update
Dear Team,
I’m sorry to report that we did not meet our latest project milestone. Several factors contributed to this, and we are analyzing the situation to make necessary improvements. Your continued effort and focus are appreciated as we move forward.
Best regards, Henry
It’s Disappointing That
Scenario: Email informing a client about a postponed event
Subject: Event Postponement
Dear Leo,
It’s disappointing that we have to postpone the event scheduled for next week. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we need more time to ensure everything is in place. We will provide a new date soon. Thank you for your understanding.
Best, Henry
I’m Sorry to Announce
Scenario: Email notifying employees about a company’s downsizing
Subject: Important Company Update
Dear Team,
I’m sorry to announce that our company will be downsizing due to current market conditions. This will affect several departments, and we will provide support to those impacted. Your contributions have been invaluable, and this decision was not made lightly.
Sincerely, Henry
With Sincere Regret
Scenario: Email informing a partner about the end of a collaboration
Subject: End of Collaboration
Dear Leo,
With sincere regret, I must inform you that our collaboration on the current project will be coming to an end. Circumstances have changed, and we need to redirect our efforts. We hope to work together again in the future.
Best regards, Henry
It Is Disheartening
Scenario: Email notifying a team about a project’s underperformance
Subject: Project Performance Update
Dear Team,
It is disheartening to report that our project has not performed as expected. We need to reassess our strategies and make necessary adjustments. Your feedback and ideas will be crucial as we move forward.
Best, Henry
I’m Saddened to Say
Scenario: Email informing a colleague about a client’s negative feedback
Subject: Client Feedback
Dear Leo,
I’m saddened to say that we received some negative feedback from a client regarding our recent deliverable. We need to address their concerns promptly. Let’s discuss how we can improve our approach in our next meeting.
Sincerely, Henry
Unfortunately, It Appears
Scenario: Email informing a customer about an out-of-stock item
Subject: Out-of-Stock Notification
Dear Leo,
Unfortunately, it appears that the item you ordered is currently out of stock. We apologize for the inconvenience and will notify you as soon as it becomes available again. Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Henry
It’s Disheartening to Note
Scenario: Email informing a team about a failed product test
Subject: Product Testing Results
Dear Team,
It’s disheartening to note that our latest product test did not meet the required standards. We need to revisit our development process and identify the areas for improvement. Your commitment to quality is greatly valued.
Best, Henry
I’m Sorry to Advise
Scenario: Email notifying a client about a service discontinuation
Subject: Service Discontinuation Notice
Dear Leo,
I’m sorry to advise that we will be discontinuing the ABC service starting next month. This decision was made after extensive review and consideration. We will assist you in transitioning to an alternative solution. Thank you for your loyalty and understanding.
Sincerely, Henry
It Pains Me to Say
Scenario: Email informing a colleague about the failure of a proposal
Subject: Proposal Update
Dear Leo,
It pains me to say that our proposal was not accepted by the client. We put in a lot of effort, and it’s disappointing. Let’s review their feedback and prepare for the next opportunity. Thank you for your hard work.
Best, Henry
It’s Unfortunate to Note
Scenario: Email notifying a team about a missed opportunity
Subject: Missed Opportunity
Dear Team,
It’s unfortunate to note that we missed the opportunity to partner with XYZ Company. Their decision was based on factors beyond our control. Let’s learn from this experience and continue to strive for excellence.
Best regards, Henry
I’m Reluctant to Say
Scenario: Email informing a colleague about a policy violation
Subject: Policy Violation
Dear Leo,
I’m reluctant to say that your recent actions have violated our company policy. We need to discuss this matter further to understand the situation and determine the appropriate steps forward. Please arrange a meeting at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely, Henry
It’s Unlucky That
Scenario: Email notifying a client about an unexpected delay
Subject: Project Update
Dear Leo,
It’s unlucky that we are experiencing an unexpected delay due to supply chain issues. We are working diligently to resolve the situation and will keep you updated on our progress. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Best, Henry
