regret

Universal Words 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.' * She regretted the words the moment they were out of her mouth. * [V-ing] He bitterly regretted ever having mentioned it. * [Vwh-] I deeply regret what I said. [also Vthat] 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. * [Vthat] I regret that I am unable to accept your kind invitation. * [Vtoinf] We regret to inform you that your application has not been successful. * [VNthat] 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 1997, much to the regret of his students. \