Apology email for delay to a client template

This apology email for delay to a client template helps you write a concise, accountable update without over-explaining.

When to use this

Send as soon as you know a credible revised date or milestone.

How to write it

Open with an apology and acknowledge the impact on the client.
Explain the delay briefly and take accountability.
Share the revised timeline and what you will do next.
Close with a calm next step (checkpoint date or how you’ll respond to changes).

What to include

Recipient name
Reason for delay (brief, factual, no blame shifting)
Revised date / plan
Original commitment date (optional)
Tone selection (professional, warm, firm, or concise)

Subject line ideas

Sorry for the delay — revised delivery date
Project update: new timeline
Apology for delay: checkpoint on [date]

Example output

Illustrative only—your draft will reflect the details you provide.

Subject

Update on delivery timeline

Body

Hi Taylor,

I owe you an update: we’re running behind on the March 18 deliverable due to an unexpected dependency from our vendor. I’m sorry for the inconvenience—this miss is on us.

Our revised delivery date is March 25. We’re prioritizing this internally and will send a checkpoint update on March 22.

Thank you for your patience. If you need adjustments on your side, let me know and we’ll accommodate if we can.

Sincerely,
Priya

Your details

No prompt writing—just answer a few fields. We will draft a single email.

Your draft

Copy the subject and body in one tap, or separately if you prefer.

Generated text will appear here. Fill the form and click Generate email.