noun
- the quality or state of feeling regret or sorrow, especially about something one has done or failed to do
Examples
- There was a note of ruefulness in her voice as she spoke about the missed opportunity.
- He looked back on his youth with ruefulness, wishing he had made different choices.
- The ruefulness in his expression was evident when he discussed his failed business venture.
- She felt a deep ruefulness about not spending more time with her grandmother before she passed away.
- His memoir was filled with ruefulness about the relationships he had damaged over the years.
- The old man’s ruefulness was palpable as he described the dreams he never pursued.