American English
/ˈsɑ.ɹi.ɚ/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Related entry: sorry
Used when you regret something, especially something you did, or when you apologize.
Practice out loudUsed when you regret something, especially something you did, or when you apologize.
I'm sorry for being late.
She was sorry to hurt his feelings.
Say I'm sorry, not I sorry.
I'm sorry · sorry about that · deeply sorry
be sorry for + noun/-ing
be sorry to + verb
Used when you did not hear or understand someone and want them to say it again.
“The meeting starts at six.” “Sorry?”
Sorry, could you repeat the last number?
This use is polite. It means Please say that again.
Sad about another person's problem and wishing things were better.
I feel sorry for the families who lost their homes.
We were sorry for him after the accident.
Here, sorry shows sympathy, not an apology.
feel sorry for someone · feel sorry for yourself · sorry for your loss
feel sorry for + person
Bad, weak, or disappointing, and not deserving respect.
That was a sorry excuse for missing work.
The old building was in a sorry state.
a sorry excuse · in a sorry state
a sorry + noun
used to show sympathy when someone tells you bad news
I'm sorry to hear that your dog is sick.
used as a polite apology before interrupting someone or asking for help
Sorry to bother you, but could you help me?
to focus too much on your own problems and feel unhappy about them
Stop feeling sorry for yourself and call a friend.
The y changes to i before -er and -est: sorrier, sorriest.