rueful

adjective
UK: /ˈruːfəl/
US: /ˈruːfəl/

  1. Expressing sorrow or regret, especially in a humorous way.

    1. He gave a rueful smile after the mistake.
    2. A rueful expression crossed her face as she recalled her youthful indiscretions, highlighting her awareness of past follies.

  2. Feeling or showing regret for something done.

    1. She felt rueful about yelling at her friend.
    2. Looking back, he was rueful that he hadn't taken his father's advice, acknowledging a deep sense of regret.

Synonyms

contrite remorseful apologetic sorrowful regretful
rueful adverb

  1. In a manner expressing sorrow or regret.

    1. He smiled ruefully after dropping the cake.
    2. She shook her head ruefully, acknowledging the challenges faced during the project's difficult final stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "rueful" in English means: Expressing sorrow or regret, especially in a humorous way., Feeling or showing regret for something done..

The phonetic transcription of "rueful" is /ˈruːfəl/ in British English and /ˈruːfəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "rueful": contrite, remorseful, apologetic, sorrowful, regretful.

Example usage of "rueful": "He gave a rueful smile after the mistake.". More examples on the page.