Depending on the situation there are a few different ways that you can draft a professional apology email. Before expressing how sorry you are, first, try starting with a positive statement. This could be something as simple as “thank you for your patience” or “I appreciate your understanding.” Second, take responsibility for your mistake without dwelling on it. A brief explanation of what went wrong should suffice.

If you are emailing to apologize for something that is not your fault, you can say “I’m sorry that happened” or “I’m sorry you’re going through this.” You can also express sympathy without apologizing, by saying something like “I know this must be tough for you.” Ultimately, the best way to apologize in an email will depend on the situation and your relationship with the person you’re emailing.

However, when it’s something you have to apologize for, you can’t simply say “I’m sorry” and explain what happened. You also should offer to make things right, either by redoing the task or by compensating the person in some way.

1

Dear [name],

I wanted to reach out and apologize for my behaviour at the team meeting yesterday. I know I was out of line and I understand if you’re upset with me. I’m sorry for snapping at you and I’ll try to do better in the future.

2

Dear [name],

I wanted to reach out and apologize for [incident]. I know that it was not up to our usual standards and I am truly sorry for any inconvenience or frustration that it may have caused. We are currently investigating the cause of the issue and working on a resolution as quickly as possible. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

3

Dear [name],

I am writing to apologize for my actions on 2024. I was very upset about the way you handled the situation, and I should not have reacted so emotionally. It was unprofessional of me to say what I said or make the threat that I did. I hope that we can continue working together professionally after this incident.

4

Dear [name],

I’m writing to apologize for my recent behaviour. It was wrong, and I know that now. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and allow us to move forward with a clean slate.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to explain why I acted in such an unprofessional manner. For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with depression, which makes it hard for me to be happy and productive at work. I’m working on getting help for this issue, but until then, please accept my apology.

5

Dear [name],

I’m writing to apologize for my behaviour on Monday. When you approached me with your concerns about the project, I reacted in a way that was not professional and did not reflect your input as a colleague. For that, I am very sorry, and I would like to take this opportunity to say so.

I know that you’ve been working hard to contribute to our company’s success, and it’s important to me that we all work together as a team. Please accept my apology, and know that this will not happen again. Thank you for understanding.

6

Hi [name],

I’m sorry to hear you’re upset with me, and I want to make it up to you. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what happened. I thought we had a great conversation about the project, but maybe I misinterpreted something. If you could let me know what’s upsetting you, that would be helpful. Thanks so much for your time today!

7

Hi [name],

I’m so sorry for the delay in getting back to you. It’s been hectic around here, and I have been swamped with work. I am happy to report that the project is almost complete. I am just waiting on a few final pieces before I can send them over to you! Thank you so much for your patience—it’s much appreciated!

8

Dear [name],

I’ve been thinking about our conversation from yesterday and I want to apologize for the way that I acted. It was a stressful time, and I got caught up in the moment and said some things I shouldn’t have. I know you were disappointed in me, and I’m sorry. It seems like every time we get close to getting things done something gets in the way. I promise that from now on I will do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen again. I appreciate your understanding and hope that you’ll accept this apology.

9

Hi [name],

I’m sorry for what happened yesterday. I didn’t mean to cause any offence, and I’m really sorry if you felt that way. Let’s sit down and talk about what went wrong so we can make sure it doesn’t happen again.

10

Hi [name],

I’m sorry for the delay in response. I was out of the office last week and just got back to my desk. I’m so sorry to hear about your experience with [product/company]. I would love to learn more about what happened and how we can help resolve your issue. If you’re open to it, please let me know when you have time to chat by replying to this email or giving me a call!

11

Hi [name],

I’m so sorry to bother you on a Saturday, but I wanted to apologize for my behaviour at the meeting today. I know that I was not the best listener, and I was not very helpful with ideas. I hope that you will forgive me for my behaviour and understand that it was just a bad day. You can count on me in the future to contribute more actively and thoughtfully.

12

Dear [name],

I know that I have been a bit of a thorn in your side this week, and I am so sorry. It’s been a rough couple of days for me personally, and I know that my behaviour has reflected negatively on you. I realize that the last few times we’ve worked together, my attitude has been less than stellar. Please accept my apology for any inconvenience or frustration that this might have caused you. I promise to do better in the future, and to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again!

13

Dear [name],

I am writing to apologize for my behaviour on the first day of the [company name] internship program. I was late to work and did not follow directions as clearly as I should have. This is not acceptable, and I understand that it reflects poorly on both me and the company.

I know that it is important to show up on time and follow instructions to be successful in this program, so I will take this opportunity to learn from my mistakes and ensure that they do not happen again. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and thank you again for giving me this opportunity!

14

Hi [name],

I’m so sorry for the way I behaved the other day. It was completely unprofessional and unacceptable, and I feel like a terrible person for letting it happen. I’ve been working on my temper and trying to be more mindful of how my actions affect others, and this was an example of how far I have to go in that regard.

Please accept my apology for what happened, and know that I will never let something like this happen again. Thank you for your patience during this time!

15

Dear [name],

I am writing to sincerely apologize for my behaviour on Friday. I was being rude, and I know that you did not deserve it. I hope you can forgive me and we can move forward from this. I was in a bad mood on Friday because of a lot of things going on, but that is no excuse for my behaviour. I am sorry for being rude and I hope you can forgive me. Best,

16

Hi [name],

I’m writing to apologize for being late for the meeting. I know that was unacceptable and I apologize for my tardiness. I should have been more prepared, and I will make sure it doesn’t happen again. Please let me know if you need anything else from me regarding this incident. Thanks,

17

Hi [name],

I’m sorry for what happened last week. I know it was a big deal and that it probably upset you. I want to make sure that you know that it was not my intention to hurt you, and I hope we can move past this and continue working together on this project. Thank you for understanding and taking the time to talk with me about it.

18

Hi [name],

I hope you’re having a good day. I’m writing to you because of what happened last week. I was working on the [project name] project, and on 2024, I did not do what was expected of me in the way of [task]. I know that this is unacceptable and that it’s my responsibility to deliver results.

I’d like to offer my sincere apology for the inconvenience caused by my actions and ask for your forgiveness. I will make sure to do better next time.

19

Dear [Name of Recipient],

I am writing to apologize for my actions earlier today. It was unprofessional to speak to you in that way, and I am truly sorry for it. I hope you will accept my apology and understand that I have learned from my mistake so that it does not happen again.

20

Hi [name],

I’m writing to apologize for my behaviour the other day. I know that you’ve worked hard on this project, and it was incredibly unfair of me to lash out at you. I’d love to talk in person sometime today or tomorrow if you’re available—let me know if that’s a good time for you. Thanks!

21

Hello [name],

I’m writing to you because I owe you an apology. I made a mistake in our last conversation and I’d like to take the opportunity to apologize for it. I’m sorry this happened. I never wanted it to go down like that, but I guess things don’t always work out the way we plan them. I hope we can move forward from this and continue to have a good working relationship. Please accept my apology.

22

Hi [Name],

I’m so sorry for the trouble I caused. I had no idea that my actions would lead to such an issue. . I want to apologize for letting you down. I know that you had a lot of expectations for me and I didn’t live up to them. If there is anything else I can do, please let me know. I hope you can forgive me. Sincerely,

22

Dear [name],

I am writing to apologize for my behaviour last Friday when we had our meeting. I know that I was rude and unprofessional, and I am truly sorry for upsetting you.

I know that we have worked together for a long time and have a great relationship, and I hope that this incident does not affect our incredible working relationship. Please accept my apology for any inconvenience or discomfort I caused you.

23

Hi there!

I just wanted to reach out and apologize for the way I handled [situation]. I know it was not professional, and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. Thanks for understanding.

24

Hi [name],

I’m so sorry for the way I spoke to you earlier. I was just stressed out and trying to finish a project, which is why I got so upset about not having all of the information right away. I really appreciate your help, and I hope that we can keep working together in the future.

25

Hey [name],

I am sorry for the way I acted yesterday. It was a stressful time, and I got caught up in the moment and said some things I shouldn’t have. I don’t know what happened, but it seemed like everything just got to me and I wasn’t able to keep my cool. I’m sorry for saying those things; it was unprofessional and not the kind of behaviour you would expect from me. I appreciate your understanding and hope that you’ll accept my apology.

26

Hi [name]

I wanted to apologize for my actions at the meeting. While I know you weren’t in the wrong, I was way out of line and I’m sorry. Please accept my apology, even though it isn’t enough to make up for what I did. I hope we can put this incident behind us and continue to work well together.

27

Hi [name]

I’m really sorry for my behaviour at the meeting. I feel like I let everyone down, but it was more my fault than yours. Please accept my apology, even though it isn’t enough to make up for what I did.

“I deeply regret any inconvenience or frustration that my actions may have caused.”

“I am sorry for the inconvenience caused. I will try to be more careful in the future.”

“I sincerely apologize for any negative feelings that my message may have caused.”

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I am truly sorry for my mistake.”

“Thank you for your understanding and forgiveness.”

Always remember to end the professional apology email on a positive note, such as offering to make up for the inconvenience or thanking the recipient for their time. By following these tips, you can turn a potentially difficult situation into a positive opportunity to build or restore relationships.

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