sorry

adjective sor·ry \ˈsär-ē, ˈsȯr-\

: feeling sorrow or regret

—used to express polite regret

—used to introduce disappointing or bad news in a polite way

sor·ri·ersor·ri·est

Full Definition of SORRY

: feeling sorrow, regret, or penitence

: mournful, sad

: inspiring sorrow, pity, scorn, or ridicule : pitiful <their affairs were in a sorry state>

— sor·ri·ly \-ə-lē\ adverb

— sor·ri·ness \-ē-nəs\ noun

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Origin of SORRY

Middle English sory, from Old English sārig, from sār sore

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SORRY

Synonyms: cheap, cruddy, deplorable, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, contemptible, wretched

Antonyms: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Synonym Discussion of SORRY

contemptible, despicable, pitiable, sorry, scurvy mean arousing or deserving scorn. contemptible may imply any quality provoking scorn or a low standing in any scale of values <a contemptible liar>. despicable may imply utter worthlessness and usually suggests arousing an attitude of moral indignation <a despicable crime>. pitiable applies to what inspires mixed contempt and pity <a pitiable attempt at tragedy>. sorry may stress pitiable inadequacy or may suggest wretchedness or sordidness <this rattletrap is a sorry excuse for a car>. scurvy adds to despicable an implication of arousing disgust <a scurvy crew of hangers-on>.