What a pity is an expression of regret about something disappointing. What a pity you cannot come.
It is slightly more formal than that's a shame and means much the same thing. Said with the wrong tone it can sound insincere, which is a risk the shorter phrases avoid.
1phrasewhat a pityAn expression of regret about something disappointing.
“What a pity the weather turned on the one free day.”
what a pity is a phrase.
Practised in Small Talk & Everyday Phrases