adverb
- in a way that shows regret or sorrow, especially about something you have done or failed to do
Examples
- She smiled ruefully when she realized her mistake.
- He shook his head ruefully at the missed opportunity.
- Looking at the broken vase, she laughed ruefully.
- The coach ruefully admitted that the team wasn’t prepared.
- She ruefully remembered the advice she had ignored.
- He ruefully acknowledged that he should have studied harder.