Meaning of sorry In English

• 0 feeling sadness, sympathy, or disappointment, especially because something unpleasant has happened or been done:

  • I'm just sorry about all the trouble I've caused her.

  • He'd really upset her and he didn't seem at all sorry.

  • [ + (that) ] I'm sorry (that) you had such a difficult journey.

  • [ + to infinitive ] We were both sorry to hear you've been ill again.

  • I feel so sorry for their kids - it must be really hard for them.

  • He sounded very sorry for himself on the phone.

  • I'm sorry to say that the project's funding has been cancelled.

  • Most people who start the exercise class do, I'm sorry to say, give up within the first two weeks.

• 1 used to say that you wish you had not done what you have done, especially when you want to be polite to someone you have done something bad to:

  • Oh, I'm sorry - I didn't see you there.

  • Tom, I'm so sorry about last night - it was all my fault.

  • I've said I'm sorry.

• 2 used to show politeness when refusing something or disagreeing:

  • I'm sorry, but I think you've made a mistake.

  • I'm sorry, I can't agree.

• 3 a bad condition or situation:

  • He was a sorry sight when he got home - soaking and covered in mud.

  • It's a sorry situation when there isn't any food in the house.

• 4 used when apologizing for something:

  • "That's my foot you're stepping on." "Sorry!"

• 5 used to show politeness when refusing something or disagreeing:

  • Sorry, you can't go in there.

  • "He's late." "Sorry?" "I said he's late."

  • Sorry, could you just say that last sentence again please?

• 6 feeling bad because you have caused trouble or difficulty to someone else:

  • [ + (that) clause ] I’m really sorry (that) I forgot about our appointment yesterday.

  • [ + to infinitive ] We were sorry to learn about the death of your grandmother.

  • The train will be moving shortly – we are sorry for the inconvenience.

• 7 used as a polite way of expressing refusal or disagreement:

  • I’m sorry, but I think you’ve made a mistake in our check.

  • Sorry, you can’t go in there.

• 8 so bad as to cause feelings of sympathy:

  • They were a sorry sight, dressed in rags and so weak they could hardly stand up.