apology

noun

the expression of regret or remorse
something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize
something offered as justification or as grounds for being excused
(informal) a poor substitute or example

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /əˈpɒl.ə.d͡ʒi/ / /əˈpɑ.lə.d͡ʒi/

noun

Etymology: From French apologie, from Late Latin apologia, from Ancient Greek ἀπολογία (apología, “a speech in defence”), from ἀπολογοῦμαι (apologoûmai, “I speak in my defense”), from ἀπόλογος (apólogos, “an account, story”), from ἀπό (apó, “from, off”) (see apo-) + λόγος (lógos, “speech”). Doublet of apologia. By surface analysis, apo- + -logy.

An expression of remorse or regret for having said or done something that harmed another: an instance of apologizing (saying that one is sorry).
“What he said really hurt my feelings, but his apology sounded so sincere that I couldn't help but forgive him.”
“The CEO made a public apology for the scandal, and promised full cooperation with the authorities.”
A formal justification, defence.
“the Apology of Socrates”
Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.
“a poor apology for a hotel room”
“[He] goes to work devising apologies for window curtains.”