Growing up, surrounded by friends, colleagues, and family, we build trust. A close relationship, maybe romantic, maybe not, but full of trust. At times, these people who are closer to you entrust you with something, could be anything. For instance, sometimes your neighbor leaves a key with you when they go out in case of emergency, sometimes you leave your wallet with your friend when you are out of hand. Oftentimes we see people lending their credit cards to their family and friends. All these are the actions one performs when there is trust between the two actors. Here, let’s know how to write Apology Letter For Losing Something.
However, to our disappointment, sometimes we end up making things go downhill. For instance, you lose the key given to you, your friend loses your wallet, or your credit card gets lost by your family. Even though none is to be blamed for such accidents, the person who was the one responsible for taking care of the things ends up feeling guilty. At times like these, you got to apologize to the owner of the things, and at that moment, it is the least you could do.
For basic human nature, apologies are hard to come by. Sometimes, you feel too ashamed, you lack the right choices of words, etc. Here, writing an apology letter can come in handy. You can fully express your feelings through letters to the owner.
Here, we have given a few examples of letters that you can write to the owner of something you have lost. However, you must keep in mind, based on the situation and the position of the owner in your life, the letter could either be formal or informal. We have presented samples for both cases.
IN CASE OF A FORMAL SITUATION
In case of an apology in a formal situation such as the situation where the office, workplace, or any other institution is involved, the letter too shall be formal. Try to keep the letter as professional as possible and end it with assuring scope for better performances. Trying to explain the situation as a ‘hard to escape’ situation can help your case. Although do not try to put the blame on something/someone else completely, this could not be good for your reputation. Moreover, try to keep it crisp and up to the point since such letters, in concerning situations, can also be used for official records, such as records of your mismanagement.
FORMAT:
(date)
(name of the organization)
To,
The CEO/Head.
Subject: Apology letter for losing (name of the thing you have lost)
With due respect, sir/madam, (explanation of what you lost and how).
Apologies!
(your name)
(your post)
EXAMPLE 1:
14th October, 20xx
The XYZ Company,
New Jersey.
To,
The Head,
Editing team.
Subject: Apology letter for losing the article content
With due respect, sir/madam, I am ABC working under your guidance in the editing team for the last 2 years. I feel very guilty while informing you that I accidentally lost the article content we worked on last night in regards to the recent chaos that we heard of in New Jersey.
I had saved the edited and the final data on the office computer last night, however, I forgot to copy it in the hard disk/pen drive. The office computer, as instructed, rebooted itself last night and put itself on reset to delete all the confidential files we might have forgotten to remove, and ended up deleting the final edited article content as well.
I send my deepest apologies, sir/madam! I am already working on re-writing the content to the best of my memory, however, I might be needing your help!
Sincere apologies!
ABC,
sub-editor,
Editing team.
EXAMPLE 2:
14th October, 20xx
The XYZ Company,
New York.
To,
The Head,
Human Resource Team.
Subject: Apology letter for losing the final list of the selected interns
With due respect, sir/madam, I am ABC working as an intern in the human resource team for the last five months. I feel very much at fault while informing you that I accidentally lost the final list of the candidates we had selected for the internship that is starting next month.
I had saved the files, or what I assume I did, and when I checked for them I couldn’t find them. I tried to look for the printed copy of the list but the worker there informed me that the printer has not been working for the last three days. Thus, the final list was neither saved nor printed.
I am very sorry for my thoughtless behavior, sir/madam. I am going through the resumes, trusting my memories, and trying to recall the names we finalized yesterday.
I hope you can forgive me once for my unprofessional behavior. Deepest apologies!
ABC,
Intern,
Human resource team,
The XYZ Company (New York).
IN CASE OF AN INFORMAL SITUATION
In case of an informal situation, where no institution is involved or concerns the family, friends, relatives, or generally the people you are close to, you can feel free to express your heart. Although, here again, do not try to put the blame on something/someone else and try to make the receiver understand what happened and how and why. This could help them understand or empathize with you better.
FORMAT:
(date)
Dear (name of the receiver)
Subject: Apology letter for losing (name of the thing you have lost)
(explanation of what you lost and how).
Apologies!
Yours,
(your name).
EXAMPLE 1:
14th October, 20xx
Dear ABC,
Subject: Apology letter for losing your wedding ring
I am writing you this letter in full embarrassment. I do know that you must have heard about it as of now and I am fully aware that you must be furious. Honestly, I do not have the guts to face you right now. Thus, I am writing you this letter. I owe you an apology, to the least, right now.
I am fully aware of the fact that you trusted me with your wedding ring and let me wear it for a day, but it was very irresponsible of me to have lost it. I removed it for a few minutes to wash/sanitize my hands, and then I forgot about it, as I am not used to wearing rings. I tried looking for it in the same place, but to no good, couldn’t find a single trace of it. It was too late by the time I realized my mistake.
Nonetheless, I am not in a position to be giving excuses. I am currently at a gold smith’s workplace. I have the photograph of your ring and I am asking him to make the same for me, as soon as possible. This is the least I can do right now.
Please forgive me for my actions. I will never ask for your stuff anymore and even if I do, I will be extra careful with them. Extremely sorry for all the chaos that I have created!
Apologies!
Yours,
XYZ.
EXAMPLE 2:
14th October, 20xx
Dear ABC,
Subject: Apology letter for losing your diary
I know I should have said all these to you in person, but I believe you wouldn’t open the door for me. I don’t think I can express in words how embarrassed I am. I am extremely sorry and I mean it, I swear!
I was bringing your diary with me to you from your class, as you had asked, but on the way, I got some deliveries of my own. I tried to make space inside my bag, and for that, I took out your diary and placed it right next to me. Then I went ahead, put my delivery inside my bag and left for your place. It was much later that I realized that I do not have your diary with me.
When I went back, I couldn’t find where I placed it. It was nowhere to be seen. I rushed back to all the places I have been since then, and even before but had no clue about its whereabouts.
I was already afraid to tell you about it since I am aware of how much you adore that diary. But I had to tell you anyway. All I can do is to buy you another diary, even though I don’t think it would mean the same to you, and look out for the original for the next few days.
Please call me whenever you receive this mail. I hope you can forgive me soon.
Anyway, waiting for your reply.
Yours,
XYZ.
Here, we end our examples of apologies letters you could send to your dear and near ones or your boss and head-in-charge. Hope these were of any help.
Mistakes come and go, and play a very crucial role in anybody’s life. So don’t hold on to it for a very long period. Although we do hope you will be extra careful with anything in the future so the risk of making mistakes lessens. Anyways, good luck with your mistakes and your apologies!
