惋惜 is a verb meaning 'to regret' or 'to lament'—a feeling of sorrow mixed with disappointment about something lost, missed, or gone wrong. The first character 惋 (wǎn) conveys deep sorrow or grief, often in response to misfortune; the second character 惜 (xī) means 'to cherish' or 'to value', suggesting that what’s lost was meaningful or precious. Together, they express a poignant sense of loss—not just sadness, but sorrow tinged with recognition of worth.

This word is commonly used in formal or literary contexts, such as news reports, essays, or empathetic conversations. It’s often applied to human losses (e.g., untimely death), missed opportunities (e.g., a student failing an exam despite hard work), or broader societal regrets (e.g., environmental damage). Unlike the more casual 后悔 (hòuhuǐ, 'to regret one’s own action'), 惋惜 focuses on external circumstances beyond personal control and carries a gentler, more compassionate tone.