Writing an apology letter goes beyond simple words. Your message to a friend, family member, or colleague needs careful thought. A good apology shows true regret and accepts full blame for your actions.
The right mix of sincerity and content can fix broken bonds or make them worse. These examples will show you how to write sincere apologies for many situations.
Sample Letters of Apology for Bad Behavior
Read through these 15 apology letters to help you express true regret.
1. Apology for Missing an Important Event
Subject: I’m Sorry for Missing Your Graduation
Dear Sarah,
Please accept my deepest apology for missing your graduation ceremony last weekend. You spent four years working hard to reach this milestone, and my absence as your best friend cannot be excused.
My poor planning and time management led me to overbook that day. You deserved to have your friends there to celebrate your achievement. Missing such a special moment fills me with regret.
Let me make it up to you by taking you out to dinner at your favorite restaurant. Your friendship means everything to me, and I want to celebrate your success properly.
With sincere regrets,
Jessica
2. Apology to a Coworker for Unprofessional Behavior
Subject: Apology for My Conduct During Yesterday’s Meeting
Dear Marcus,
My behavior during yesterday’s team meeting was completely unprofessional. Raising my voice and criticizing your proposal before our colleagues showed poor judgment and lack of respect.
The stress of tight deadlines affected my behavior, but that’s no excuse for my actions. You bring great ideas to our team. Going forward, I promise to communicate better and keep our talks professional.
Please accept my sincere apology.
Best regards,
David
3. Apology to a Spouse for Hurtful Words
Subject: I’m Sorry for What I Said
Dear Michael,
The words I spoke during our argument last night were cruel and untrue. You’ve always been a loving and supportive husband, and you didn’t deserve such harsh treatment.
My frustration about work should never have been directed at you. You’re the person I trust most, and hurting you goes against everything we’ve built together.
Can we talk tonight? I want to make things right between us.
With love and remorse,
Emma
4. Apology to a Child for Breaking a Promise
Subject: Sorry for Missing Your Game
Dear Tommy,
Breaking my promise to attend your baseball game yesterday was wrong. As your parent, my actions showed poor judgment and hurt your feelings.
You practiced so hard and wanted to show me your improved pitching skills. Next time, I’ll arrange my schedule differently to make sure I’m there cheering from the stands.
Would you like to practice catch this weekend? I want to see those awesome pitches firsthand.
Love always,
Dad
5. Apology to a Friend for Gossiping
Subject: I’m Sorry for Breaking Your Trust
Dear Rachel,
My actions last week were thoughtless and betrayed your trust. Sharing your personal information with others was wrong and showed complete disregard for our friendship.
You trusted me with private details about your relationship, and I failed to keep that confidence. Your trust means so much to me, and I understand if rebuilding it takes time.
With deep regret,
Lisa
6. Apology to a Teacher for Disruptive Behavior
Subject: Apology for My Classroom Behavior
Dear Mrs. Thompson,
My behavior in class yesterday was unacceptable. Disrupting your lesson and encouraging others to join showed complete disrespect for you and my classmates.
Education matters, and my actions prevented others from learning. From now on, I’ll focus on being a positive influence in class and making the most of your teaching.
Sincerely,
James Wilson
7. Apology to a Neighbor for Noise Disturbance
Subject: Apology for Last Night’s Party
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Chen,
Please accept my sincere apology for the loud noise from my party last night. The music and guests were much too loud, especially considering your young children need proper sleep.
Being a good neighbor means showing consideration, and I failed to do that. This won’t happen again, and I’ll make sure future gatherings end at a reasonable hour.
Best regards, Robert Miller
8. Apology to a Client for Missing a Deadline
Subject: Apology for Project Delay
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
Please accept my apology for missing yesterday’s project deadline. This delay has likely impacted your business operations, and that responsibility falls squarely on my shoulders.
To prevent future delays, I’ve reorganized my workflow and added extra resources to complete your project. The revised timeline shows completion by Friday, and I’ll provide daily progress updates.
Respectfully,
Thomas Wright
9. Apology to a Sibling for Taking Their Property
Subject: Sorry for Taking Your Laptop Without Permission
Dear Jake,
Taking your laptop without asking was wrong and violated your privacy. You’ve always been willing to share when asked, making my actions even more thoughtless.
Your trust as my brother means everything to me. From now on, I’ll always ask permission before borrowing your belongings.
Your sister,
Amy
10. Apology to a Store Manager for Rude Behavior
Subject: Apology to Store Staff
Dear Store Manager,
My behavior at your store yesterday afternoon was completely unacceptable. Speaking rudely to your staff about the return policy showed poor judgment and lack of respect.
Your employees handled the situation professionally despite my attitude. Please extend my apology to the staff member who assisted me.
Sincerely, Karen Thompson
11. Apology for Breaking a Business Agreement
Subject: Apology for Contract Breach
Dear Mr. Anderson,
Breaking our business agreement has damaged our professional relationship, and for that I sincerely apologize. The trust you placed in our partnership deserved better.
Moving forward, I’ve prepared a detailed plan to fulfill all remaining obligations. Would you be open to discussing these solutions during a meeting next week?
Best regards,
Steven Marshall
12. Apology to a Partner for Forgetting an Anniversary
Subject: Sorry About Our Anniversary
Dear Anna,
Forgetting our anniversary yesterday showed thoughtlessness and hurt your feelings. Five years together deserves celebration and recognition.
You make every day special, and my oversight failed to honor that. Let me make it up to you with a proper celebration this weekend.
All my love,
Peter
13. Apology to a Team for Poor Leadership
Subject: Apology to My Team
Dear Team Members,
My recent leadership decisions have created unnecessary stress and confusion. Each of you deserves clear direction and support, which I failed to provide.
Starting today, I’m implementing changes to improve communication and project management. Your success matters, and I aim to be the leader you deserve.
Best regards, Team Leader
14. Apology for Social Media Comments
Subject: Apology for Harmful Comments
Dear Sam,
The comments I posted on your social media last week were hurtful and inappropriate. My words caused you public embarrassment and damaged our relationship.
Those comments have been deleted, but I understand the harm was already done. You deserve better treatment from someone who calls themselves a friend.
Sincerely sorry,
Chris
15. Apology to Parents for Lying
Subject: Sorry for Breaking Your Trust
Dear Mom and Dad,
Lying about my whereabouts last weekend betrayed your trust and caused unnecessary worry. You’ve always encouraged honesty, making my deception even more disappointing.
Your rules exist to keep me safe, and I understand that now. Please give me the chance to rebuild your trust through better choices and open communication.
Love,
Alex
Final Thoughts: Letters That Show True Remorse
A good apology letter needs honest self-reflection. These samples give you starting points, but add your own personal touch based on what happened. A real apology plus changed actions can fix damaged relationships and build stronger connections.