Regretting being wretched (5)

I believe the answer is:

sorry

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'being wretched' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for sorry that I've seen before include "Feeling penitent" , "In a pitiful state; apologetic" , "My apologies!" , "Contrite" , "Repentant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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