A statement that takes the form of an apology but does not constitute an acknowledgement of responsibility or regret for what has caused offence or upset.
he issued a non-apology hinting that the reader was at fault
what we have here is a variant on the classic non-apology: sorry if we upset you
he responded with a non-apology apology, tweeting “sorry I didn't bow down to you”
Example sentencesExamples
A variation on this non-apology theme is "If I hurt you, I'm sorry."
This was like one of those classic nonapology apologies: "I'm sorry if you didn't understand what I was saying."
He issued a full statement, basically echoing the same sentiments of his non-apology tweets.
The president's apologizing was of the non-apology sort.
Weak non-apology apologies are worse than the offending tweets themselves.
The organization issued a patronizing and insulting non-apology and have done nothing to discipline the stupid bigot.
Avoid the 'I'm sorry you feel that way' type of non-apology, which infuriates people.
The company's non-apology statement added more insult to injury.
He did an interview with a UK blog, where he further expanded on his non-apology.
Politicians and religious leaders are known for their non-apology apologies.