If you feel like you’ve wasted someone’s time, you need to know how to apologize in an email.
You may worry that “sorry for wasting your time” is a bit generic and overused.
So, it’s time to look into some alternatives.
This article has provided synonyms to show you how to say “sorry for wasting your time” in an email.
Other Ways to Say “Sorry for Wasting Your Time”
- I apologize for taking any unnecessary time out of your schedule
- I didn’t mean to take up your valuable time
- I regret any inconvenience caused
- I’m sorry if I’ve wasted your time
- Please accept my apologies for the time I’ve consumed
- I apologize for any time lost
- Please forgive me for taking up so much of your time
- I hope you forgive me for wasting any time
- It was never my intention to waste your time
- I’m sorry that this resulted in so much wasted time
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Sorry for wasting your time” is an ideal way to apologize for disrupting someone’s schedule in formal settings.
- “I apologize for taking any unnecessary time out of your schedule” is a great email alternative.
- Try “I didn’t mean to take up your valuable time” when contacting customers.
Keep reading to learn how to say “sorry for wasting your time” professionally. There are some great options, and we’ve provided explanations for the best two in different situations.
Also, you can read the final section to learn more about the original phrase. We’ve explained whether it’s professional and when it works well in emails.
I Apologize for Taking Any Unnecessary Time Out of Your Schedule (Email)
If you’re looking for a polite way to say “sorry for wasting your time,” use this phrase.
“I apologize for taking any unnecessary time out of your schedule” is great to include in most professional emails.
It shows you regret wasting someone’s time, especially if you know they’re really busy.
For instance, you can use it when emailing your boss. It shows you took longer than expected to reply and regret making them wait to hear back from you.
You may also use it when sending an email to the wrong person. It lets them know you asked them a question that’s of no importance to them, so you don’t want them to pay attention to it.
Basically, if you feel like you’ve wasted someone’s time, this is the phrase to use! It’s clear and direct, and it’s a good way to own up to your mistake.
These sample emails should also clear a few things up:
Dear Mr. Blindly,
I’m very sorry that it took so long for me to get back to you. I apologize for taking any unnecessary time out of your schedule.
Yours,
William Bradley
Dear Harrison,
I’m sorry, but I asked you for help when I meant to email George! I apologize for taking any unnecessary time out of your schedule.
Best regards,
Dean Whittaker
I Didn’t Mean to Take Up Your Valuable Time (Customer Service)
Feel free to use “I didn’t mean to take up your valuable time” as a formal way to say “sorry for wasting your time.”
This time, it’s great to use in customer service settings. It shows you’re sorry for wasting a customer’s time.
We recommend using it to apologize for bad customer service. After all, it can happen to even the best employees.
Sometimes, we simply do wrong to our customers. Therefore, it’s good to have polite and honest phrases like this one ready to apologize for wasting someone’s time.
The better the apology is, the more thankful a customer will be.
And the more thankful a customer is, the more likely they’ll be to stick around with you or your company.
Here are some great email examples to also show you how to use it:
Dear Christopher,
I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to take up your valuable time. Please let me know what I can do to make things right.
Yours,
Sarah Halfling
Dear Miss Smith,
I’m still sorry you experienced this. And I didn’t mean to take up your valuable time. However, what can I do to help?
All the best,
Peter Jacks
Is It Professional to Say “Sorry for Wasting Your Time”?
It is professional to say “sorry for wasting your time.” It’s quite a common phrase to use in professional emails or customer service situations.
Generally, it shows you regret taking up someone’s time. Therefore, it’s a polite and respectful way to show that you’re sorry and would like to try and make it up to the recipient.
Here are two example emails showing you how it could work:
Dear Mr. Crick,
I appreciate that this project was not up to par. I’ll do what I can to remedy it. Sorry for wasting your time.
Best regards,
Jon Walter
Dear Sarah,
I’m so sorry for wasting your time. I realize that I was not answering the query in the way you wanted me to.
Yours,
Samuel Jason
As you can see, it’s polite and direct. Therefore, it lets the recipient know you take full responsibility for messing something up and wasting their time.