20 Ways to Say “Sorry for Wasting Your Time” Professionally

In the professional realm, time is a precious commodity. Recognizing and apologizing for taking up more of it than necessary is key to maintaining respectful and productive work relationships.

Here are 20 polished expressions you can use to apologize for wasting someone’s time, each followed by an example of how to use the phrase in context and the best case for its application.

1. I Apologize for Any Inconvenience Caused

Example: “I apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay in the meeting start time.”

Best Use Case: Suitable for formal apologies, particularly when the time wasted was due to circumstances beyond one’s control.

2. Thank You for Your Patience

Example: “Thank you for your patience as we work through technical difficulties during this presentation.”

Best Use Case: This phrase is effective when acknowledging someone’s understanding and calm demeanor during unintentional time delays.

3. I Value Your Time

Example: “I value your time and sincerely apologize for today’s extended consultation period.”

Best Use Case: Perfect for demonstrating an appreciation of the other party’s time commitment, particularly in one-on-one interactions.

4. Your Understanding Is Greatly Appreciated

Example: “Your understanding is greatly appreciated as we navigate these unforeseen setbacks.”

Best Use Case: Ideal when seeking to express gratitude for someone’s flexibility or forgiveness.

5. I Regret the Oversite

Example: “I regret the oversight that led to our prolonged discussion without reaching a conclusion.”

Best Use Case: When an error on your part has led to the time being wasted, indicating personal accountability.

6. Let’s Ensure It’s More Productive Next Time

Example: “Let’s ensure it’s more productive next time; I apologize for any inefficiency today.”

Best Use Case: Suggests a constructive approach to prevent similar time wastage in the future.

7. Thanks for Bearing with Us

Example: “Thanks for bearing with us through the unexpected extension of the workshop.”

Best Use Case: Conveys a collective apology from a team or organization, suitable in group settings.

8. I’m Sorry for the Mix-up

Example: “I’m sorry for the mix-up that led to the confusion and wasted your valuable time.”

Best Use Case: When a misunderstanding or mistake has resulted in unnecessary time expenditure.

9. My Apologies for Running Long

Example: “My apologies for running long with my presentation today.”

Best Use Case: A direct and honest apology for miscalculating the time something would take, particularly during presentations or speeches.

10. We Appreciate Your Understanding and Flexibility

Example: “We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we iron out these scheduling conflicts.”

Best Use Case: To show gratitude towards someone who has had to adjust their schedule on account of your actions.

11. Please Accept Our Sincere Apologies

Example: “Please accept our sincere apologies for the oversight that caused the delay.”

Best Use Case: A formal way of showing regret on behalf of a team or organization.

12. I Hope This Hasn’t Inconvenienced You Too Much

Example: “I hope this hasn’t inconvenienced you too much, and I aim to be more mindful of time in future engagements.”

Best Use Case: Expresses hope that the impact of the time wastage was minimal, with a forward-looking intention to improve.

13. Let Me Correct This Without Further Delay

Example: “Let me correct this without further delay to ensure no more of your time is wasted.”

Best Use Case: When immediate action can rectify the situation, showing proactive steps towards resolution.

14. Your Tolerance Is Much Appreciated

Example: “Your tolerance during our system upgrade, which took longer than expected, is much appreciated.”

Best Use Case: Acknowledges and thanks the party for their patience during prolonged processes.

15. It Was Not My Intention to Prolong

Example: “It was not my intention to prolong today’s session; I extend my sincerest apologies.”

Best Use Case: Suitable when the extension of time was unintentional, emphasizing innocence.

16. Rest Assured, It Won’t Happen Again

Example: “Rest assured, it won’t happen again; we’re putting measures in place to avoid similar issues.”

Best Use Case: When promising corrective action to prevent future instances of wasted time.

17. Your Cooperation Is Highly Valued

Example: “Your cooperation during these unexpected delays is highly valued by our entire team.”

Best Use Case: Expresses a deep appreciation for someone’s cooperative behavior during a challenging situation.

18. Please Forgive the Mistake

Example: “Please forgive the mistake in our scheduling that led to this confusion.”

Best Use Case: An earnest request for forgiveness focusing on a specific error that resulted in wasted time.

19. We Aim to Do Better

Example: “We aim to do better and ensure that our future interactions are more time-efficient.”

Best Use Case: Reflects a commitment to improvement and respect for the other party’s time moving forward.

20. Your Input Despite the Circumstances Is Invaluable

Example: “Your input, despite the circumstances, is invaluable, and we apologize for any undue delay.”

Best Use Case: Ideal for reassuring the other party that their contributions are still valued, despite any wasted time.


Employing these expressions not only communicates an apology but also emphasizes a professional respect for the individual’s time, contributing to a constructive workplace culture. Whether the situation calls for a formal apology or a simple acknowledgement of the time spent, choosing the right words can preserve and even strengthen professional relationships affected by inadvertent delays or oversight.

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