apology apology /əˈpɑːləˌdʒiː/

noun

1. () An expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone  ( apology )
   an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
    He wrote a letter of apology to the hostess
   he wrote a letter of apology to the hostess
   
2. A poor example  ( apology , excuse )
   a poor example
    It was an apology for a meal
   it was an apology for a meal
    A poor excuse for an automobile
   a poor excuse for an automobile
   
3. A formal written defense of something you believe in strongly  ( apology , apologia )
   a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly