“A heartfelt apology can mend what time alone cannot.”
Apologizing for wasting someone’s time is an important skill that shows respect and empathy. It’s not always easy to admit that we’ve caused inconvenience or taken up someone’s valuable time, but acknowledging this can strengthen relationships and prevent misunderstandings. In both personal and professional settings, offering a genuine apology is a sign of maturity and accountability.
Sometimes, a simple “sorry” isn’t enough, and you may find yourself searching for better ways to express regret. In this blog, we will explore 35 different ways to apologize for wasting someone’s time. These alternatives are designed to make your apologies more thoughtful and impactful. With these expressions, you can turn a moment of regret into a chance to show appreciation for the other person’s patience and understanding.
Whether it’s with a colleague, a friend, or a stranger, knowing how to say sorry in a meaningful way can help build stronger connections. Let’s dive into 35 creative, heartfelt, and effective ways to apologize for wasting someone’s time and make sure your apology truly resonates.
Why Saying Sorry Matters
Apologizing is more than just expressing regret—it’s about recognizing the other person’s time and effort. A well-timed apology can prevent feelings of resentment and help maintain positive relationships.
Sometimes, we may unintentionally waste someone’s time, but how we handle the apology afterward speaks volumes about our character. In this article, you’ll discover 35 ways to say sorry that will leave a positive impact. Each phrase is designed to show respect, sincerity, and thoughtfulness.
35 Ways to Say Sorry for Wasting Your Time
1. “I appreciate your patience with me.”
Scenario: You’ve kept a friend, Linda, waiting for a long time.
Explanation: This apology focuses on recognizing Linda’s patience. It not only shows you’re aware of the inconvenience but also expresses gratitude for their understanding.
Additional Tip: Recognizing someone’s patience builds trust and shows maturity in acknowledging their efforts.
2. “Thank you for waiting; I shouldn’t have taken so long.”
Scenario: You’re meeting John and you arrive later than expected.
Explanation: Here, you’re thanking John for waiting while also acknowledging that the delay wasn’t necessary. It conveys both gratitude and accountability.
Additional Tip: Showing appreciation for someone’s time makes the apology feel less like an obligation and more genuine.
3. “I’m sorry for the delay; I value your time.”
Scenario: A colleague, Sarah, waits for you to finish an important task before a meeting.
Explanation: This apology directly highlights your recognition of Sarah’s time. By saying you value their time, you show that you don’t take it lightly.
Additional Tip: This works well in a professional setting where time is crucial.
4. “I regret the hold-up; it wasn’t my intention.”
Scenario: You’ve made an appointment with your boss, Mark, but you were late due to an emergency.
Explanation: This phrase acknowledges the impact of your actions, while clarifying that the delay was unintentional. It shows remorse and consideration.
Additional Tip: It helps to provide a brief explanation if appropriate, so they understand it wasn’t intentional.
5. “I should have been more mindful of your schedule.”
Scenario: You promised your friend, Emma, you would meet at a specific time but arrived late.
Explanation: By saying this, you are admitting that you failed to consider her time properly. It’s an expression of self-awareness and responsibility.
Additional Tip: This apology is more sincere when paired with actions that show you will be more mindful in the future.
6. “I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time.”
Scenario: You’ve been chatting with your friend, Mike, for longer than planned.
Explanation: This phrase shows that you are aware of how much time you’ve used and are acknowledging that it might have been excessive.
Additional Tip: This works particularly well when you’ve taken up someone’s time unintentionally and feel guilty about it.
7. “I know I’ve kept you waiting; I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Scenario: Your client, Lisa, had to wait for you to join a video call for a presentation.
Explanation: This apology demonstrates both awareness of the situation and a commitment to improve. It acknowledges the delay and assures that it won’t be repeated.
Additional Tip: By offering a solution, you demonstrate responsibility and reliability.
8. “I understand that I’ve wasted your valuable time, and I’m sorry.”
Scenario: You missed an important deadline and need to apologize to your colleague, Tom.
Explanation: Acknowledging that someone’s time is valuable shows you recognize the weight of the delay. It makes the apology feel more sincere and meaningful.
Additional Tip: Use this phrase in situations where the other person’s time was impacted significantly, especially in professional settings.
9. “I’m truly sorry for the inconvenience I caused.”
Scenario: Your friend, Sarah, has been waiting for you at the coffee shop, and you’re significantly late.
Explanation: This apology focuses on the inconvenience caused by your actions. It shows that you’re not just apologizing for being late, but for the discomfort it may have caused.
Additional Tip: This is an effective way to express empathy, especially if the person was relying on you.
10. “I shouldn’t have made you wait, and I regret it.”
Scenario: You arrive late to an important lunch date with your friend, Lisa.
Explanation: Here, you are expressing regret for both the waiting and the impact of your tardiness. The emphasis on regret shows that you are not only aware of the mistake but also feel bad about it.
Additional Tip: Combining regret with an action to make it right can help mitigate any negative feelings.
11. “I apologize for any time lost due to my actions.”

Scenario: A colleague, Anne, was delayed because of your decision to change meeting times last minute.
Explanation: This phrase not only apologizes but also acknowledges the lost time caused by your actions. It focuses on the consequence of the situation, making it more impactful.
Additional Tip: This works especially well when the time loss has caused some disruption or inconvenience.
12. “I feel terrible for making you wait for so long.”
Scenario: After a frustrating delay, you meet with your friend, Paul.
Explanation: This shows that you not only apologize but also express genuine regret about making the other person feel uncomfortable.
Additional Tip: Use this apology if the wait caused frustration or discomfort for the other person.
13. “I owe you an apology for the delay I caused.”
Scenario: You’ve kept your manager, Kate, waiting for a report.
Explanation: Acknowledging that you owe someone an apology puts the focus on the fact that you owe them more than just an excuse. It’s a recognition that your actions have caused harm.
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you want to emphasize your responsibility for the delay.
14. “I can’t believe I kept you waiting. I’m sorry!”
Scenario: Your friend, Grace, was waiting for you outside, and you showed up late.
Explanation: This apology reflects disbelief and emphasizes the regret you feel for being late. It conveys genuine remorse and surprise at how you let the situation happen.
Additional Tip: This works when you’re truly surprised at your own actions and want to express that surprise.
15. “I never intended to waste your time, and I truly regret it.”
Scenario: Your colleague, Alex, had to wait longer than expected for a meeting.
Explanation: This apology emphasizes your intention and regret, which can help reassure the other person that you didn’t purposely delay them.
Additional Tip: Saying “never intended” can soften the blow, especially if it was an honest mistake.
Other Ways to Say Thank You Both
16. “I’m sorry for the confusion and the time it took.”
Scenario: Your boss, Linda, had to wait for you to clarify a report.
Explanation: By addressing both the confusion and the time lost, this apology covers the broader impact of your actions.
Additional Tip: This is especially useful when the situation involved a misunderstanding that wasted time.
17. “Thank you for being so understanding while I was delayed.”
Scenario: Your partner, Derek, waited for you after your delayed flight.
Explanation: This expresses gratitude for their understanding and emphasizes how much you appreciate their patience.
Additional Tip: This works well when you want to acknowledge their empathy and highlight that you didn’t take their patience for granted.
18. “I should have managed my time better and made sure I didn’t keep you waiting.”
Scenario: You promised to meet with your mentor, Laura, at a set time but arrived late.
Explanation: This apology shows that you take full responsibility for the delay and acknowledge the lack of time management on your part.
Additional Tip: It demonstrates accountability and can be effective when you want to show that you’ll do better in the future.
19. “Please forgive me for not being more punctual.”
Scenario: Your friend, Michael, had to wait for you to join a group outing.
Explanation: A simple apology, but it carries sincerity and respect. It’s an acknowledgment that punctuality is important and you’ll make more effort next time.
Additional Tip: Use this when the delay was avoidable, and you want to show that you understand the value of being on time.
20. “I deeply regret wasting your precious time.”
Scenario: A colleague, Jenny, had to stay late because you didn’t finish your part on time.
Explanation: This apology shows that you deeply feel the regret of wasting their time, emphasizing how valuable their time is to you.
Additional Tip: Using “precious time” emphasizes respect for the other person’s time in a more heartfelt way.
21. “I’m sorry for the time I took, I’ll make it up to you.”
Scenario: You made your friend, Rachel, wait for you at the store.
Explanation: Offering to make it up conveys that you’re willing to compensate for the lost time. This helps soften the apology with a future plan of action.
Additional Tip: Offering to make up for the time shows commitment to doing better in the future.
22. “I know your time is valuable, and I’m truly sorry for taking it for granted.”
Scenario: You made your boss, David, wait for an important call.
Explanation: Acknowledging the value of someone’s time shows you understand the significance of your actions. This phrase also expresses that you didn’t mean to take it lightly.
Additional Tip: This works well in professional contexts where people’s time is often at a premium.
23. “Thank you for being patient despite the wait.”
Scenario: Your family had to wait for you to get home.
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes your gratitude for their patience, reinforcing the idea that you value their understanding.
Additional Tip: Expressing thanks makes the apology feel less like a formal duty and more like a heartfelt acknowledgment.
24. “I apologize for the unnecessary delay. I know it caused an inconvenience.”
Scenario: Your colleague, Henry, had to wait for your delayed report.
Explanation: Acknowledging that the delay was unnecessary emphasizes that you understand it could have been avoided.
Additional Tip: This apology focuses on the inconvenience, making it especially effective for formal situations.
25. “I appreciate your understanding and I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Scenario: A client, Jessica, was kept waiting.
Explanation: Here, you express appreciation and make a promise to avoid future delays, helping to rebuild trust.
Additional Tip: Following through on this promise will show the client that you respect their time.
26. “I’ll do better in the future, and I’m truly sorry for wasting your time.”
Scenario: Your manager, Sophie, had to wait for an update.
Explanation: You’re offering a commitment to improve while also apologizing for the wasted time.
Additional Tip: By focusing on future improvement, you assure the person that you care about not repeating the mistake.
27. “I should have been more prepared to avoid wasting your time.”
Scenario: A friend, Lily, had to wait for you to get ready for an event.
Explanation: You take responsibility for not being more prepared, showing that you recognize what went wrong.
Additional Tip: This is a good approach when the delay was due to lack of preparation on your part.
28. “I sincerely apologize for keeping you waiting when it wasn’t necessary.”
Scenario: You were delayed for a lunch with your partner, Tim.
Explanation: Here, you’re directly acknowledging that the delay wasn’t necessary, emphasizing that it wasn’t intentional.
Additional Tip: This shows that you are aware of how your actions affected the other person.
29. “I regret making you wait for something that could have been avoided.”
Scenario: A coworker, Carla, had to wait while you fixed an issue.
Explanation: You’re expressing regret that the situation could have been avoided entirely, showing that you recognize how your actions impacted them.
Additional Tip: This helps reinforce that you won’t make the same mistake again.
30. “I can’t thank you enough for your patience; I know I took up more of your time than needed.”
Scenario: Your friend, Kevin, waited for you to finish a project.
Explanation: You’re expressing gratitude for their patience while also acknowledging that the situation took more time than necessary.
Additional Tip: This works well when you want to genuinely show appreciation for someone’s effort to stay patient.
31. “I understand the value of your time, and I’m sorry for not respecting it.”

Scenario: Your boss, Naomi, waited for you to prepare a report.
Explanation: Here, you’re demonstrating an understanding of the value of the person’s time and recognizing your mistake in disrespecting it.
Additional Tip: This helps convey a deep level of responsibility for your actions.
32. “I feel bad about the time I wasted, and I’ll work to make it right.”
Scenario: Your coworker, Alex, had to deal with your delay in finishing a task.
Explanation: This is a more emotional apology where you express that you genuinely feel bad for wasting someone’s time. You also promise to make it right.
Additional Tip: Offering to make amends shows accountability and reassures the other person that you are invested in fixing things.
33. “I know I’ve caused you inconvenience, and I truly apologize.”
Scenario: Your friend, Rachel, was waiting for you at an event.
Explanation: You’re not just apologizing but also acknowledging the inconvenience your actions caused, which makes the apology feel more thoughtful.
Additional Tip: This works well when the person had to go out of their way because of your delay.
34. “I’m sorry I couldn’t manage my time better to avoid this delay.”
Scenario: You were late to meet a colleague, Megan.
Explanation: You take full responsibility for not managing your time better, which is a very mature way of apologizing for wasting someone’s time.
Additional Tip: This kind of apology shows self-awareness and accountability, which can help mend the relationship.
35. “I hope you can forgive me for keeping you waiting, it won’t happen again.”
Scenario: Your friend, Susan, had to wait for you during an important meetup.
Explanation: You’re expressing your hope that they’ll forgive you while also making a commitment not to let it happen again.
Additional Tip: Offering an assurance that it won’t happen again helps reinforce that you take their time seriously.
Pros and Cons of Saying Sorry for Wasting Someone’s Time
Pros
- Shows responsibility: Acknowledging that you’ve wasted someone’s time shows maturity and accountability.
- Builds trust: Offering a genuine apology can strengthen your relationships by fostering understanding.
- Improves communication: Apologies can create better communication by clearing up misunderstandings and encouraging positive behavior.
Cons
- May feel repetitive: If not done genuinely, apologies may feel like empty words.
- Could increase guilt: Over-apologizing may make the situation worse, as it can cause more tension or discomfort.
- Risk of over-explaining: Sometimes, too many words can make an apology sound less sincere.
Conclusion
Apologizing for wasting someone’s time is about more than just saying “I’m sorry.” It’s about acknowledging the impact of your actions and showing genuine respect for the other person’s time. Whether you’re apologizing to a friend, colleague, or supervisor, using a thoughtful approach can strengthen your relationships and build trust.
With these 35 alternative ways to apologize, you now have a variety of options to choose from, depending on the situation. Remember, a sincere apology, paired with a commitment to avoid repeating the mistake, can go a long way in turning a negative experience into an opportunity for growth and understanding.

I’m Jane Austen, a language expert at Minglishs, dedicated to helping learners master English through engaging and accessible content. My passion for literature and teaching drives me to make language learning both enjoyable and effective.