HomeDictionarySsorry

Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.

sorry

/ˈsɔɹi/

In most cases, "sorry" is used to apologize for a mistake or to express sympathy. It is common in both formal and informal settings. When using it to apologize, you can say "I am sorry for [something]" or "I am sorry that [sentence]." Be careful with the phrase "a sorry state." In this context, it does not mean feeling regret, but rather that something looks very poor, damaged, or pitiful.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Brian is in the server room while Mark is pretending to work at his desk.
Brian

Your account is locked. Again. Did you even try restarting?

Brian
Mark
Mark

My bad, sorry for the hassle. I totally spaced on my password.

💡
Mark uses 'my bad' (slang for admitting a mistake) and 'spaced on' (phrasal verb meaning to forget), while using 'sorry' as a focal point of apology to appease Brian's grumpiness.

Meanings

adjective

Feeling regret, compunction, or sorrow for a specified wrongdoing.

"I am sorry for keeping you waiting."

adjective

Feeling pity or sympathy for someone else's misfortune.

"I feel sorry for the victims of the flood."

adjective

Poor in quality; wretched or pitiful.

"The building was in a sorry state of repair."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error