What does sorriness mean?
Sorriness is a noun meaning an apology or an expression of regret, as in “Please accept my sorriness for the delay.” It can also denote remorse or sorrow for wrongdoing, although “sorrow” often carries the stronger sense of deep grief. The word is especially associated with British English, where it may sound polite, formal, or slightly old-fashioned; many speakers instead use “apology,” while “sorry” is the usual everyday adjective. Sorriness is therefore useful when describing a formal expression of regret or a written acknowledgment of fault. Its uncommon appearance does not make it obscure: it conveys a slightly ceremonious or heartfelt apology, and it helps distinguish the act of apologizing from the deeper feeling of sadness.
nounAn apology or expression of regret for something done or said. It can also refer more broadly to a feeling of remorse or sorrow.
- An expression of apology or regret for an action, omission, or remark.
- A feeling of remorse or sorrow for wrongdoing or misfortune.
"She expressed her sorriness for arriving so late."
"He offered his sincere sorriness for the inconvenience."
"The speaker expressed her deep sorriness over the loss."
Rarely used as a countable noun; the word usually occurs in the singular or in fixed expressions such as “much sorriness.”
"The letter contained several heartfelt sorriesses."
A word for regret that sounds like it belongs on a formal British apology card.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sorriness come from?
Sorriness was formed in the 16th century from “sorry” plus the suffix “-ness,” which creates a noun meaning a state or quality. “Sorry” itself developed from Old English “sōrig,” meaning painful, sorrowful, or full of regret, and is related to “sorrow.” The modern sense of an apology developed alongside the older sense of feeling regret or sadness.
Related word forms
How sorriness is actually used
Sorriness is most familiar in British English and has a somewhat formal or old-fashioned tone. In everyday American English, people usually say “sorry” or “an apology” instead; “sorrow” is also common but can suggest a deeper sadness.
Easily confused with sorriness
Sorriness usually means an apology or expression of regret, whereas sorrow more often refers to deep grief or sadness.
Sorry is the common adjective used to express apology or regret, while sorriness is the noun form and is less frequent in everyday speech.