Finding the right words to express regret isn’t just about being polite — it’s about showing genuine care and respect for someone’s time and attention. Whether you’re writing an email, chatting with a colleague, or talking to a friend, saying “sorry for wasting your time” in a thoughtful way helps you come across as sincere and considerate. Below, you’ll discover 30 heartfelt alternatives that make your apologies sound more personal, respectful, and professional.
What Does “Sorry for Wasting Your Time” Mean?
The phrase “sorry for wasting your time” is a polite apology used when you feel you’ve taken up someone’s time unnecessarily or caused inconvenience. It shows self-awareness, humility, and respect toward another person’s schedule or attention.
This expression communicates that you value the other person’s time and regret that your actions may have caused a delay or distraction.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Sorry for Wasting Your Time”?
Yes — it is polite and professional, but it can sometimes sound too self-critical. In workplaces, it’s often better to express the same sentiment with a positive, constructive tone, such as “Thank you for your patience” or “I appreciate your time.”
Using these alternatives shows emotional intelligence and gratitude rather than guilt or negativity.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Shows humility and politeness
- Builds empathy and understanding
- Strengthens personal and professional relationships
Disadvantages:
- May sound overly apologetic if used frequently
- Can make you appear unsure or insecure
- Might shift focus from the solution to the mistake
Synonyms For “Sorry for Wasting Your Time”
- Thank you for your patience
- I appreciate your time
- I value the time you spent
- I didn’t mean to take so long
- Thank you for bearing with me
- I appreciate your understanding
- I didn’t intend to hold you up
- I respect your time
- Thanks for waiting on me
- My apologies for the delay
- Thank you for your time and effort
- I didn’t want to keep you waiting
- I know your time is valuable
- Thank you for listening
- I didn’t mean to inconvenience you
- Thanks for taking the time to help
- My bad for taking too much time
- I’ll be more mindful of your time next time
- I owe you some time back
- I hope I didn’t take too much of your time
- Thank you for sticking with me
- I appreciate your patience and kindness
- I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome
- Thanks for your understanding
- I truly appreciate the time you gave me
- I realize I took more time than planned
- Thanks for your continued patience
- I’m grateful for your time and attention
- I didn’t mean to hold you up with this
- I appreciate you taking the time for me
1. Thank you for your patience
Meaning: A polite acknowledgment that someone waited calmly while you took extra time.
Definition: Expressing gratitude for someone’s tolerance during a delay.
Explanation: This phrase replaces apology with appreciation, making it more positive.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your patience while I gathered all the details.”
Best Use: In professional emails, meetings, or customer support conversations.
Tone: Respectful, grateful, and professional.
2. I appreciate your time
Meaning: Acknowledges the value of someone’s time and thanks them for giving it to you.
Definition: Expressing gratitude for someone taking time out for you.
Explanation: This sounds professional and conveys awareness of the other person’s effort.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate your time and feedback on this project.”
Best Use: Perfect for business or formal settings.
Tone: Grateful, respectful, and professional.
3. I value the time you spent
Meaning: Highlights the respect you have for the time someone invested in helping or meeting you.
Definition: To acknowledge someone’s effort and contribution.
Explanation: It’s a warm, respectful way to show appreciation without focusing on guilt.
Scenario Example: “I truly value the time you spent reviewing this with me.”
Best Use: Client or mentor communication.
Tone: Appreciative and sincere.
4. I didn’t mean to take so long
Meaning: A soft apology for being late or causing delay.
Definition: A humble way to admit delay while keeping it casual.
Explanation: Shows accountability without sounding overly formal.
Scenario Example: “I didn’t mean to take so long getting back to you.”
Best Use: Texts or friendly emails.
Tone: Casual and apologetic.
5. Thank you for bearing with me
Meaning: Appreciation for someone’s patience during a difficult or delayed moment.
Definition: Acknowledging understanding during inconvenience.
Explanation: Expresses gratitude and recognition of the person’s effort.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for bearing with me while I fixed the issue.”
Best Use: Customer or team communication.
Tone: Polite, warm, and appreciative.
6. I appreciate your understanding
Meaning: Thanks someone for being empathetic toward your mistake or delay.
Definition: Gratitude for emotional patience and support.
Explanation: Emphasizes the other person’s kindness rather than your fault.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate your understanding as I work through this.”
Best Use: When asking for leniency or forgiveness.
Tone: Compassionate and humble.
7. I didn’t intend to hold you up
Meaning: A direct way to acknowledge causing delay.
Definition: Expressing regret for preventing progress.
Explanation: It’s polite and professional while sounding natural.
Scenario Example: “I didn’t intend to hold you up from your next task.”
Best Use: Workplace conversations.
Tone: Polite and self-aware.
8. I respect your time
Meaning: Expresses awareness of how valuable another person’s time is.
Definition: Recognition of someone’s effort and time commitment.
Explanation: Shows responsibility and maturity in communication.
Scenario Example: “I respect your time, so I’ll keep this brief.”
Best Use: Professional or client interactions.
Tone: Respectful and confident.
9. Thanks for waiting on me
Meaning: Gratitude for someone’s patience.
Definition: Thanking someone who waited for your response or arrival.
Explanation: Casual but still polite and considerate.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for waiting on me before starting the meeting.”
Best Use: Friendly or informal workplace settings.
Tone: Warm and conversational.
10. My apologies for the delay
Meaning: A formal apology for being late or causing inconvenience.
Definition: Polite expression of regret.
Explanation: Common in business communication to maintain professionalism.
Scenario Example: “My apologies for the delay in responding.”
Best Use: Emails and formal letters.
Tone: Polite and professional.
11. Thank you for your time and effort
Meaning: Expresses appreciation not just for someone’s time, but also for their effort and contribution.
Definition: A polite and professional phrase that values both time and work invested.
Explanation: It strengthens your gratitude by recognizing the other person’s dedication.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for your time and effort in reviewing my proposal.”
Best Use: Professional settings, especially emails or follow-ups.
Tone: Respectful, appreciative, and warm.
12. I didn’t want to keep you waiting
Meaning: A gentle acknowledgment of delay while showing consideration.
Definition: Expressing awareness of someone’s time without making excuses.
Explanation: Keeps your tone polite and responsible without sounding overly apologetic.
Scenario Example: “I didn’t want to keep you waiting, so I got back as soon as I could.”
Best Use: Conversations and customer interactions.
Tone: Considerate and polite.
13. I know your time is valuable
Meaning: Acknowledges the importance of another person’s time.
Definition: Shows genuine respect for someone’s schedule or effort.
Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to balance apology with appreciation.
Scenario Example: “I know your time is valuable, and I appreciate your understanding.”
Best Use: Business communication and client meetings.
Tone: Respectful, professional, and sincere.
14. Thank you for listening
Meaning: Appreciates someone’s willingness to hear you out.
Definition: Expresses gratitude for the attention and understanding received.
Explanation: Shifts focus from apology to gratitude, making it feel warmer.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for listening and taking the time to understand my concern.”
Best Use: Personal or workplace discussions.
Tone: Appreciative and heartfelt.
15. I didn’t mean to inconvenience you
Meaning: A polite apology for causing even a small disruption.
Definition: Shows awareness and empathy toward someone’s situation.
Explanation: Sounds genuine and professional without being self-blaming.
Scenario Example: “I didn’t mean to inconvenience you with the late update.”
Best Use: Emails, professional messages, or formal discussions.
Tone: Polite, respectful, and mature.
16. Thanks for taking the time to help
Meaning: Appreciates someone’s effort and willingness to assist.
Definition: Acknowledges the generosity of someone sharing their time.
Explanation: Replaces regret with gratitude, keeping the message positive.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for taking the time to help me fix this issue.”
Best Use: Team interactions or mentorship situations.
Tone: Warm, appreciative, and friendly.
Read More: 30 Other Ways to Say ‘Thank You for Taking the Time’ (With Examples)
17. My bad for taking too much time
Meaning: A casual and direct admission of being slow or late.
Definition: A relaxed phrase acknowledging delay or error.
Explanation: Works best in friendly, informal settings rather than formal communication.
Scenario Example: “My bad for taking too much time on that task.”
Best Use: Among friends or coworkers you know well.
Tone: Casual, lighthearted, and humble.
18. I’ll be more mindful of your time next time
Meaning: Shows accountability and a willingness to improve.
Definition: A promise to respect the other person’s time in future interactions.
Explanation: Adds a positive, forward-thinking note to your apology.
Scenario Example: “I’ll be more mindful of your time next time — thank you for understanding.”
Best Use: Professional or academic conversations.
Tone: Responsible and reassuring.
19. I owe you some time back
Meaning: A playful yet humble way to admit you took extra time.
Definition: Lightly expresses regret while keeping the tone friendly.
Explanation: Adds humor or charm to soften an apology.
Scenario Example: “I owe you some time back for all that waiting!”
Best Use: Friendly workplace chats or casual texts.
Tone: Light, friendly, and charming.
20. I hope I didn’t take too much of your time
Meaning: Softens an apology by expressing hope rather than assumption.
Definition: Polite and considerate acknowledgment of someone’s time.
Explanation: Keeps the message gentle while showing respect.
Scenario Example: “I hope I didn’t take too much of your time during the meeting.”
Best Use: After long discussions or calls.
Tone: Gentle and respectful.
21. Thank you for sticking with me
Meaning: Appreciates someone’s patience and continued support.
Definition: A warm way to thank someone for staying through difficulties or delays.
Explanation: Emphasizes gratitude over guilt.
Scenario Example: “Thank you for sticking with me while I worked this out.”
Best Use: Collaborative or long-term projects.
Tone: Warm, grateful, and friendly.
22. I appreciate your patience and kindness
Meaning: Expresses gratitude not just for patience but also for empathy.
Definition: Acknowledges both time and emotional understanding.
Explanation: Adds emotional warmth to your apology.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate your patience and kindness during this delay.”
Best Use: Professional and personal interactions.
Tone: Compassionate and respectful.
23. I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome
Meaning: A gentle acknowledgment that you may have taken more time or space than intended.
Definition: A courteous way to show awareness of boundaries.
Explanation: Works well in polite conversations or social contexts.
Scenario Example: “I didn’t mean to overstay my welcome — thank you for the lovely chat.”
Best Use: Social events or visits.
Tone: Polite, warm, and sincere.
24. Thanks for your understanding
Meaning: Expresses gratitude for empathy and patience.
Definition: Commonly used to replace direct apologies in a positive way.
Explanation: Sounds considerate while keeping the message constructive.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for your understanding while I sorted this out.”
Best Use: Emails or messages following a delay.
Tone: Appreciative and professional.
25. I truly appreciate the time you gave me
Meaning: Deep gratitude for the attention or support someone provided.
Definition: A heartfelt acknowledgment of another person’s generosity.
Explanation: Perfect when you want your message to feel sincere and thankful.
Scenario Example: “I truly appreciate the time you gave me today.”
Best Use: Professional thank-yous or personal gratitude messages.
Tone: Heartfelt and gracious.
26. I realize I took more time than planned
Meaning: Admits to a longer delay while staying self-aware.
Definition: Acknowledges unintentional time overuse.
Explanation: Keeps the focus on awareness rather than guilt.
Scenario Example: “I realize I took more time than planned — thank you for your patience.”
Best Use: Meetings, calls, or presentations.
Tone: Honest and considerate.
27. Thanks for your continued patience
Meaning: Expresses gratitude for someone’s ongoing tolerance during a delay.
Definition: Recognition of patience over an extended period.
Explanation: Works best when the issue has taken longer than expected.
Scenario Example: “Thanks for your continued patience while we complete the process.”
Best Use: Customer service or project updates.
Tone: Polite and professional.
28. I’m grateful for your time and attention
Meaning: A warm acknowledgment of both effort and focus.
Definition: Expressing deep gratitude for someone’s consideration.
Explanation: Adds an emotional touch while staying polished.
Scenario Example: “I’m grateful for your time and attention to this matter.”
Best Use: Emails, thank-you notes, and meetings.
Tone: Sincere and thoughtful.
29. I didn’t mean to hold you up with this
Meaning: Recognizes that you’ve delayed someone unintentionally.
Definition: A polite apology emphasizing awareness.
Explanation: Ideal when you’ve taken longer than expected in conversation or work.
Scenario Example: “I didn’t mean to hold you up with this issue.”
Best Use: Workplace chats and casual professional messages.
Tone: Respectful and self-aware.
30. I appreciate you taking the time for me
Meaning: Acknowledges someone’s willingness to give you their time.
Definition: Polite gratitude for attention and effort.
Explanation: Ends conversations gracefully and appreciatively.
Scenario Example: “I appreciate you taking the time for me today.”
Best Use: Follow-up or closing remarks.
Tone: Kind, professional, and heartfelt.
Conclusion
Finding warmer ways to say “sorry for wasting your time” helps you communicate empathy, respect, and professionalism without sounding overly apologetic. These alternatives turn your apology into an opportunity to show gratitude and emotional intelligence. Whether in a business email or a personal message, choosing the right words strengthens your connection and leaves a lasting positive impression.
Emma Brooke is a passionate language enthusiast and expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping writers, students, and professionals refine their grammar and writing skills. With a keen eye for detail and a love for linguistic precision, Emma provides insightful tips, clear explanations, and practical guidance to make complex grammar rules easy to understand.