Apologizing for making someone wait can be crucial in maintaining good communication and relationships. It’s important to convey sincerity and address the delay appropriately. Here are 25 alternative ways to express an apology for keeping someone waiting, each with a scenario to illustrate its use.
List of 25 Other Ways to Say “Sorry to Keep You Waiting”
- Thank You for Your Patience
- I Apologize for the Delay
- I Appreciate Your Understanding
- Sorry for the Wait
- I Regret the Delay
- I’m Sorry for the Inconvenience
- I Appreciate Your Patience
- Thank You for Waiting
- Apologies for the Hold-Up
- I’m Sorry for the Delay in Response
- Sorry for the Delay in Getting Back to You
- I Apologize for the Extended Wait
- Thank You for Your Continued Patience
- I’m Grateful for Your Patience
- Sorry for Any Inconvenience Caused
- I Apologize for the Wait Time
- I’m Sorry for the Prolonged Delay
- Apologies for the Temporary Setback
- I’m Sorry for the Delay in Processing
- Thank You for Bearing with Us
- Sorry for the Time Lost
- Apologies for the Unexpected Delay
- I’m Sorry for the Unforeseen Delay
- Thank You for Your Understanding During This Delay
- I Apologize for the Hold-Up in Communication
1. Thank You for Your Patience
Scenario: Email to a Client
Subject: Thank You for Your Patience
Dear Leo,
I wanted to thank you for your patience as we worked through the issues with your recent order. We encountered some unexpected delays that required additional time to resolve.
Your understanding during this period has been invaluable, and we appreciate your patience as we finalize the details. I assure you that we are making every effort to ensure this does not happen again.
Thank you for bearing with us.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase acknowledges the recipient’s patience and is useful for situations where their tolerance is appreciated while resolving a delay.
2. I Apologize for the Delay
Scenario: Email to a Business Partner
Subject: Apologies for the Delay
Dear Leo,
I am writing to apologize for the delay in our project deliverables. We faced some unforeseen challenges that extended our timeline.
We are actively working to address these issues and expect to have the deliverables ready by the end of this week. Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: A direct apology for the delay is straightforward and professional, suitable for formal business communication.
3. I Appreciate Your Understanding
02c1e9: Message to a Colleague
Subject: Appreciate Your Understanding
Dear Leo,
I wanted to appreciate your understanding regarding the delay in receiving the report. I had to attend to an urgent matter that took longer than anticipated.
Thank you for your flexibility and patience. I am now available to discuss any questions you may have about the report.
Best, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase conveys gratitude for the recipient’s tolerance, making it ideal for informal and formal settings alike.
4. Sorry for the Wait
Scenario: Text Message to a Friend
Hi Leo,
Sorry for the wait in getting back to you. I got caught up with some unexpected work that took longer than I thought. Let’s catch up soon!
Thanks for your patience.
Cheers, Henry
Additional Note: “Sorry for the wait” is informal and suitable for casual conversations with friends or acquaintances.
5. I Regret the Delay
Scenario: Email to a Customer
Subject: Regret the Delay
Dear Leo,
I wanted to regret the delay in processing your request. We encountered some technical difficulties that delayed our usual turnaround time.
We are working to resolve these issues and will complete your request as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter.
Sincerely, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase is appropriate for formal communications where acknowledging the delay and its impact is necessary.
6. I’m Sorry for the Inconvenience
Scenario: Email to a Service User
Subject: Sorry for the Inconvenience
Dear Leo,
I’m writing to apologize for the inconvenience caused by the delay in our service. We have been addressing some issues that impacted our delivery schedule.
Your patience has been greatly appreciated, and we are now working to ensure that this does not happen again. Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: “I’m sorry for the inconvenience” is effective for addressing disruptions that affect the recipient’s experience or plans.
7. I Appreciate Your Patience
Scenario: Email to a Project Team
Subject: Appreciate Your Patience
Dear Leo,
I wanted to appreciate your patience as we navigated through the unexpected challenges with the project timeline. Your understanding during this period has been crucial.
We are now back on track and will provide the updated timeline by tomorrow. Thank you for your continued support and patience.
Best, Henry
Additional Note: Reiterating appreciation for patience helps reinforce positive relations and shows that the delay is being addressed.
8. Thank You for Waiting
Scenario: Email to a Vendor
Subject: Thank You for Waiting
Dear Leo,
Thank you for waiting while we resolved the issue with your shipment. We experienced some delays but have now resolved the problem.
Your patience has been invaluable, and we are working to ensure timely deliveries moving forward. Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase is a straightforward acknowledgment of the recipient’s patience and can be used in various contexts.
9. Apologies for the Hold-Up
Scenario: Email to a Business Client
Subject: Apologies for the Hold-Up
Dear Leo,
I want to apologize for the hold-up in our scheduled meeting. We had some urgent matters to attend to that affected our schedule.
I am now available to reschedule at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Sincerely, Henry
Additional Note: “Apologies for the hold-up” is suitable for situations where delays disrupt planned meetings or appointments.
10. I’m Sorry for the Delay in Response
Scenario: Email to a Job Applicant
Subject: Sorry for the Delay in Response
Dear Leo,
I’m sorry for the delay in response to your job application. We have been reviewing a large number of applications, which took longer than anticipated.
We are now moving forward with the next steps and will be in touch soon. Thank you for your patience and interest in the position.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase is effective for addressing delays in communication related to applications or inquiries.
11. Sorry for the Delay in Getting Back to You
Scenario: Email to a Business Associate
Subject: Sorry for the Delay in Getting Back to You
Dear Leo,
I wanted to apologize for the delay in getting back to you regarding our recent correspondence. I had to deal with some pressing issues that took longer than expected.
I appreciate your patience and am now available to continue our discussion. Thank you for your understanding.
Best, Henry
Additional Note: “Sorry for the delay in getting back to you” is ideal for situations where a delayed response impacts ongoing discussions.
12. I Apologize for the Extended Wait
Scenario: Email to a Customer
Subject: Apologies for the Extended Wait
Dear Leo,
I want to apologize for the extended wait in fulfilling your order. We faced some challenges that impacted our timeline more than we anticipated.
We are working to expedite the order and will keep you updated on the status. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely, Henry
Additional Note: “I apologize for the extended wait” acknowledges longer-than-expected delays and shows commitment to resolving the issue.
13. Thank You for Your Continued Patience
Scenario: Email to a Service User
Subject: Thank You for Your Continued Patience
Dear Leo,
Thank you for your continued patience while we addressed the issues with our service. We have made significant progress and are close to a resolution.
Your patience and understanding during this time have been greatly appreciated. We will keep you updated and ensure timely service going forward.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase is useful for situations where the delay is part of an ongoing issue, highlighting the recipient’s long-term patience.
14. I’m Grateful for Your Patience
Scenario: Email to a Client
Subject: Grateful for Your Patience
Dear Leo,
I’m grateful for your patience as we worked through the challenges with your recent request. Your understanding during this period was greatly valued.
We have resolved the issues and are now moving forward. Thank you for your support and patience.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: “I’m grateful for your patience” expresses sincere appreciation and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
15. Sorry for Any Inconvenience Caused
Scenario: Email to a Vendor
Subject: Sorry for Any Inconvenience Caused
Dear Leo,
I wanted to apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay in processing your order. We faced some unexpected issues that affected our usual service.
We are working diligently to resolve the problem and appreciate your patience. Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase is effective for acknowledging any potential disruptions caused by delays.
16. I Apologize for the Wait Time
Scenario: Email to a Team Member
Subject: Apologize for the Wait Time
Dear Leo,
I want to apologize for the wait time regarding the project update. I had to address some urgent matters that delayed my response.
Thank you for your patience. I am now available to discuss any pending issues and move forward with our work.
Best, Henry
Additional Note: “I apologize for the wait time” is suitable for internal communications where delays impact project progress.
17. I’m Sorry for the Prolonged Delay
Scenario: Email to a Customer
Subject: Sorry for the Prolonged Delay
Dear Leo,
I’m writing to apologize for the prolonged delay in addressing your service request. We encountered several issues that extended our response time beyond expectations.
We are now resolving the matter and will ensure that this does not happen again. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely, Henry
Additional Note: “I’m sorry for the prolonged delay” is appropriate for significant delays that have a substantial impact on the recipient.
18. Apologies for the Temporary Setback
Scenario: Email to a Client
Subject: Apologies for the Temporary Setback
Dear Leo,
I wanted to apologize for the temporary setback in delivering the project. We experienced some unexpected challenges that briefly affected our schedule.
We are addressing these issues and expect to be back on track shortly. Thank you for your patience during this time.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase is suitable for short-term delays that are being actively managed.
19. I’m Sorry for the Delay in Processing
Scenario: Email to an Applicant
Subject: Sorry for the Delay in Processing
Dear Leo,
I’m sorry for the delay in processing your application. We are currently reviewing a high volume of submissions, which has extended our usual timeline.
We will update you on the status of your application as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: “I’m sorry for the delay in processing” is ideal for acknowledging delays in handling applications or requests.
20. Thank You for Bearing with Us
Scenario: Email to a Client
Subject: Thank You for Bearing with Us
Dear Leo,
I wanted to thank you for bearing with us during the delay in our service. We encountered some unforeseen issues that temporarily affected our delivery.
Your patience and understanding have been greatly appreciated. We are now resolving these issues and will ensure timely service moving forward.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase is effective for acknowledging the recipient’s support during an extended period of disruption.
21. Sorry for the Time Lost
Scenario: Email to a Colleague
Subject: Sorry for the Time Lost
Dear Leo,
I wanted to apologize for the time lost due to the delay in our meeting. I had some unexpected obligations that took longer than anticipated.
I appreciate your flexibility and am now available to reschedule. Thank you for your understanding.
Best, Henry
Additional Note: “Sorry for the time lost” is suitable for situations where delays have affected scheduled appointments or meetings.
22. Apologies for the Unexpected Delay
Scenario: Email to a Customer
Subject: Apologies for the Unexpected Delay
Dear Leo,
I am writing to apologize for the unexpected delay in your order. We faced some unforeseen issues that impacted our usual delivery schedule.
We are working to resolve the problem and will update you with the new delivery timeline shortly. Thank you for your patience.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase addresses unforeseen issues and reassures the recipient that the problem is being managed.
23. I’m Sorry for the Unforeseen Delay
Scenario: Email to a Business Associate
Subject: Sorry for the Unforeseen Delay
Dear Leo,
I’m writing to apologize for the unforeseen delay in our project. We encountered some unexpected obstacles that have temporarily impacted our timeline.
We are actively working to address these issues and will keep you updated on our progress. Thank you for your patience.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: “I’m sorry for the unforeseen delay” is appropriate for acknowledging unexpected challenges that impact project timelines.
24. Thank You for Your Understanding During This Delay
Scenario: Email to a Client
Subject: Thank You for Your Understanding During This Delay
Dear Leo,
I wanted to thank you for your understanding during this delay in our service. We have been addressing some issues that affected our delivery schedule.
Your patience and support have been greatly appreciated. We are working to resolve the matter and will ensure timely service moving forward.
Best regards, Henry
Additional Note: This phrase emphasizes the recipient’s support during the delay and conveys gratitude for their understanding.
25. I Apologize for the Hold-Up in Communication
Scenario: Email to a Team Member
Subject: Apologies for the Hold-Up in Communication
Dear Leo,
I want to apologize for the hold-up in communication regarding our project update. I was dealing with some urgent matters that delayed my response.
I appreciate your patience and am now available to discuss the next steps. Thank you for your understanding.
Best, Henry
Additional Note: “I apologize for the hold-up in communication” is effective for addressing delays in providing updates or responding to inquiries
