# rueful

> English word · Adjective · IPA /ˈɹuːfl̩/ · frequency rank #78,090

## Definitions
1. Causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow, especially in a wry or humorous way.
2. Inspiring pity or compassion.
3. Bad; woeful; deplorable.

## Etymology
From Middle English ruful, rewful. By surface analysis, rue + -ful.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/rueful