ruefulness

Definitions

The quality or state of being sorrowful, regretful, or remorseful.

A feeling of pity or sympathy for someone else's misfortune.

Examples

He looked at the broken vase with a sense of ruefulness, knowing he should have been more careful.

There was a touch of ruefulness in her smile as she recalled the mistakes of her youth.

Synonyms

regretfulness remorse sorrow contrition penitence wistfulness melancholy

Antonyms

cheerfulness joyfulness satisfaction contentment delight gladness exultation