Definition of "what a pity" []

• Used to express regret or disappointment about an unfortunate event or piece of information. (phrase)

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• "This afternoon, instead of dreaming of Deepden, I was wondering how a man who wished to do right could act so unjustly and unwisely as Charles the First sometimes did; and I thought what a pity it was that, with his integrity and conscientiousness, he could see no farther than the prerogatives of the crown."
• "Page 77 and saw Miss Clemy Legg in deep black what a pity the poor thing was not married to Mr Palmer."