sorryadjective
Sorry describes someone who wishes something bad had not happened, whether they caused it or only saw it; a sorry thing is one in a bad state.
regretfeeling regret because you have done something wrong or caused a problem, and wishing that you had not
- I'm sorry I shouted at you. (sorry that, with that usually left out)
- He said he was sorry for breaking the cup. (sorry for doing something)
- Sorry about the mess; I haven't had time to clean. (sorry about something)
- Sorry to bother you, but is this seat free? (sorry to do something: a polite start to a request)
Collocations
Synonyms bad
sympathyfeeling sad for someone because something bad has happened to them
in a bad statein a very bad or sad condition, so that people feel pity or lose respect
- The garden was in a sorry state after the storm.
- He was a sorry sight, soaked and shivering.
- It's a sorry excuse for a sandwich: two thin slices and nothing in between.
Collocations
Synonyms pathetic (pathetic is harsher and much more common than sorry in this sense)
Usage
Sorry is used far more often than its meaning suggests: for passing close to someone, for not hearing, for a small delay. On its own it is often enough for small things; a serious fault usually needs more than sorry alone. After bad news, I'm sorry means I feel for you, not I did it. Before but or a refusal, sorry softens what follows: I'm sorry, but I can't agree. Sorry on its own, including Sorry? to ask someone to repeat something, has its own entry.