What does ruing mean?
“Ruing” means regretting or sorrowfully looking back on a previous action, decision, or event. It is the present participle of the verb “rue,” and is especially associated with the expression “rue the day,” meaning to regret a choice in later light. The word has a reflective, literary tone and is often stronger than simply saying “regret,” since it commonly suggests a wish that something could be undone. It can describe regretting a decision, an opportunity, a relationship, or the consequences of an event. Although “ruing” occurs in both British and American English, it is less common in casual speech than more conversational alternatives such as “wishing I hadn’t” or “having second thoughts.” In formal writing, it can express lasting regret without sounding overly emotional.
verbTo regret or repent something, especially an action, decision, or event that has had an unfortunate result. The form “ruing” is the present participle of “rue.”
- To feel sincere regret or sorrow about something unfortunate, especially a past action or decision.
- To repent of or wish to undo a previous course of action.
"She spent the evening ruing the impulsive decision to leave her job."
"He is still ruing the missed opportunity to apologize sooner."
"They spent years ruing the decision to abandon the project."
The phrase “rue the day” captures the word perfectly: to look back on a choice and wish you could undo it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ruing come from?
The verb “rue” comes through Middle English from Old French “ruer,” meaning “to regret, pity, or feel sorrow for.” Its modern sense developed from the idea of looking back on an action or event with regret. The word is related to “ruth” and “ruthless,” which also reflect a historical sense involving compassion or regret, although their modern meanings have developed in different directions.
Related word forms
How ruing is actually used
“Ruing” is literary or formal in tone and is somewhat more common in reflective or narrative contexts than in everyday conversation. It often implies regret over a choice or event, rather than ordinary sadness.