a message politely telling someone that you cannot be present at their meeting or party

The vice chair has sent his apologies - he's abroad at present. 副主席发来了致歉信——他现在国外，不能出席。

Apologies were received from Phil Baker and Mark Johnson. 菲尔•贝克和马克•约翰逊发来致歉信告知他们不能出席。

Before we start the meeting, do we have any apologies?

I'm afraid I'm going to have to give my apologies for the meeting tomorrow night.

I've had apologies from Amy Smith and Rod Hepburn.

See also: apology (MESSAGE)