Communicating disappointing news professionally and empathetically is a crucial skill. While “I regret to inform you” is a commonly used phrase for delivering bad news, there are various alternatives that can convey your message with a touch of sensitivity and formality. This article provides 22 formal synonyms for “I regret to inform you,” each illustrated with a detailed scenario to demonstrate effective usage. By incorporating these phrases into your communication, you can handle sensitive situations with professionalism and grace.
List of Synonyms for “I Regret to Inform You” (With Examples)
- I Am Sorry to Inform You
- Regrettably, I Must Inform You
- Unfortunately, I Have to Notify You
- It Is with Regret That I Must Inform You
- I Am Disappointed to Let You Know
- I Must Regretfully Advise You
- I Am Afraid I Have to Inform You
- I Regret to Advise You
- I Must Inform You with Regret
- It Is with Regret That I Must Notify You
- I Am Sorry to Convey
- I Regret to Announce
- I Must Apologize for Informing You
- I Am Sorry to Notify You
- I Must Regret to Inform You
- I Am Disheartened to Inform You
- I Regret to Communicate
- I Am Sorry to Inform You
- I Must Regretfully Notify You
- I Am Regretful to Inform You
- It Is with Regret That I Inform You
- I Must Sadly Inform You
1. I Am Sorry to Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Update on Your Application
Dear Leo,
I am sorry to inform you that your application for the marketing position has not been successful at this time. After careful consideration, we have selected a candidate whose qualifications more closely align with the requirements of the role.
We appreciate the effort you put into your application and encourage you to apply for future opportunities with our company.
Best regards, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is useful for expressing sympathy and regret when delivering unfavorable news.
2. Regrettably, I Must Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Event Cancellation Notification
Hi Leo,
Regrettably, I must inform you that the annual conference scheduled for next month has been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. We understand that this news may be disappointing and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We will provide updates regarding future events and hope to see you there.
Sincerely, Henry
Addition:
This expression emphasizes the unfortunate nature of the news while maintaining a formal tone.
3. Unfortunately, I Have to Notify You
Scenario:
Subject: Policy Change Announcement
Dear Leo,
Unfortunately, I have to notify you that there has been a change in our company’s leave policy. Starting next month, the number of paid leave days will be reduced.
We understand this may affect your plans and are available to discuss any concerns you might have.
Best, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is appropriate for delivering news about policy changes or procedural updates.
4. It Is with Regret That I Must Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Denial of Loan Application
Hi Leo,
It is with regret that I must inform you that your loan application has been denied. Our decision was based on the current financial criteria and assessments.
We encourage you to review your application details and consider reapplying in the future.
Warm regards, Henry
Addition:
Use this phrase to convey a formal and empathetic tone when delivering disappointing news.
5. I Am Disappointed to Let You Know
Scenario:
Subject: Project Approval Status
Dear Leo,
I am disappointed to let you know that the project proposal you submitted has not been approved. The review committee had concerns about several aspects that did not align with our current objectives.
We appreciate your hard work and encourage you to refine the proposal for future submissions.
Best regards, Henry
Addition:
This expression shows a personal touch and acknowledges the effort put into the work.
6. I Must Regretfully Advise You
Scenario:
Subject: Contract Termination Notice
Hi Leo,
I must regretfully advise you that your contract with the company will be terminated effective at the end of the month. This decision was made based on a recent restructuring of our department.
We thank you for your contributions and wish you success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is suitable for formal notifications about employment or contractual changes.
7. I Am Afraid I Have to Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Service Disruption
Dear Leo,
I am afraid I have to inform you that our services will be temporarily disrupted due to maintenance work this weekend. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and are working to minimize the impact.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Best, Henry
Addition:
This expression is appropriate for notifying about service interruptions or technical issues.
8. I Regret to Advise You
Scenario:
Subject: Scholarship Application Status
Hi Leo,
I regret to advise you that your application for the scholarship has not been successful. We had many strong applicants this year, and the decision was highly competitive.
Thank you for your interest, and we encourage you to apply again next year.
Warm regards, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is suitable for formal communications regarding application outcomes.
9. I Must Inform You with Regret
Scenario:
Subject: Team Restructuring Announcement
Dear Leo,
I must inform you with regret that due to the recent team restructuring, your position has been affected. We are working closely with HR to provide support during this transition.
Please reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Best regards, Henry
Addition:
Use this phrase to convey regret in situations involving organizational changes or job impacts.
10. It Is with Regret That I Must Notify You
Scenario:
Subject: Cancellation of Scheduled Meeting
Hi Leo,
It is with regret that I must notify you that our scheduled meeting for tomorrow has been canceled due to a scheduling conflict. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
We will reach out to reschedule at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is useful for notifying about canceled appointments or meetings.
11. I Am Sorry to Convey
Scenario:
Subject: Product Recall Notice
Dear Leo,
I am sorry to convey that our latest product has been recalled due to a defect that could affect safety. We are taking immediate action to address this issue.
Please follow the instructions provided for returns or exchanges.
Best, Henry
Addition:
This expression is suitable for addressing recalls or safety issues with products.
12. I Regret to Announce
Scenario:
Subject: Delay in Project Delivery
Hi Leo,
I regret to announce that there will be a delay in the delivery of the project due to unforeseen complications. We are working diligently to resolve these issues and will provide a revised timeline shortly.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Warm regards, Henry
Addition:
Use this phrase to announce delays or setbacks in project timelines.
13. I Must Apologize for Informing You
Scenario:
Subject: Unavailability of Service
Dear Leo,
I must apologize for informing you that the service you requested is currently unavailable due to unexpected maintenance. We are working to restore it as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
Best regards, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is effective for apologizing for unavailability or service disruptions.
14. I Am Sorry to Notify You
Scenario:
Subject: Change in Benefits Policy
Hi Leo,
I am sorry to notify you of a recent change in our employee benefits policy. Effective next month, there will be adjustments to the coverage options available.
We are here to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely, Henry
Addition:
This expression is appropriate for communicating changes in policies or benefits.
15. I Must Regret to Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Denial of Grant Application
Dear Leo,
I regret to inform you that your grant application has been declined. After a thorough review, we determined that it did not meet the specific criteria we were looking for this year.
We encourage you to apply for other grants and wish you success in your future projects.
Best regards, Henry
Addition:
Use this phrase for formally communicating denials or rejections.
16. I Am Disheartened to Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Termination of Service Agreement
Hi Leo,
I am disheartened to inform you that we must terminate our service agreement due to changes in our business operations. This decision was not made lightly and is necessary for our strategic direction.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Warm regards, Henry
Addition:
This phrase conveys a sense of disappointment and sensitivity in difficult decisions.
17. I Regret to Communicate
Scenario:
Subject: Loss of Contract
Dear Leo,
I regret to communicate that we have lost the contract with our major client due to changes in their supplier requirements. We understand this may affect our current projects and are working on alternative solutions.
Thank you for your continued support.
Best, Henry
Addition:
This expression is used for communicating significant business changes or losses.
18. I Am Sorry to Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Reduction in Working Hours
Hi Leo,
I am sorry to inform you that there will be a reduction in working hours starting next month due to budget constraints. We understand this may impact your plans and are here to discuss any concerns.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Sincerely, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is appropriate for communicating reductions in hours or other employment-related changes.
19. I Must Regretfully Notify You
Scenario:
Subject: Failure to Meet Deadline
Dear Leo,
I must regretfully notify you that we have failed to meet the deadline for the project due to unforeseen complications. We are working on a revised schedule and will update you as soon as possible.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Best regards, Henry
Addition:
This phrase is useful for notifying about missed deadlines or project delays.
20. I Am Regretful to Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Discontinuation of Service
Hi Leo,
I am regretful to inform you that we will be discontinuing the service you currently use due to changes in our business strategy. We are here to assist with the transition and answer any questions.
Thank you for your loyalty and understanding.
Warm regards, Henry
Addition:
Use this phrase to inform clients or customers about service discontinuations.
21. It Is with Regret That I Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Rejection of Proposal
Dear Leo,
It is with regret that I inform you that your proposal for the new project has not been accepted. While it was a strong submission, other proposals were more aligned with our current objectives.
We appreciate your effort and encourage you to submit future proposals.
Best, Henry
Addition:
This expression is suitable for formally rejecting proposals or submissions.
22. I Must Sadly Inform You
Scenario:
Subject: Termination of Membership
Hi Leo,
I must sadly inform you that your membership will be terminated due to non-compliance with our terms and conditions. We regret having to take this action and are available to discuss any issues or concerns.
Thank you for your past participation.
Sincerely, Henry
Addition:
This phrase conveys a sense of sadness and formality when informing about terminations.
