rueful

 
Pronunciation: /ˈruːfʊl, -f(ə)l/

adjective

  • expressing sorrow or regret, especially in a wry or humorous way: she gave a rueful grin

Derivatives

ruefully

adverb

ruefulness

noun

Origin:

Middle English (also in the sense 'pitiable'): from the noun rue1 + -ful