1Feeling regret or disappointment that something did not turn out as hoped.
あと一歩で優勝を逃して惜しかった。
We lost the championship by just one step - what a shame.
彼が入院しているので、パーティーに来られないのは惜しい。
It's a shame he can't come to the party since he's in the hospital.
せっかくの休日を寝て過ごしてしまうのは惜しい。
It's a waste to spend a precious day off just sleeping.
この店が閉店するなんて惜しいね。
It's a shame this shop is closing down.
2A feeling that something is precious and one doesn't want to lose or waste it; often used for time or money.
命が惜しいなら、無茶な運転はやめなさい。
If you value your life, stop driving recklessly.
一分一秒が惜しいので、タクシーで向かった。
Every minute was precious, so I took a taxi there.
お金が惜しくて、新しい服を買うのをためらった。
Reluctant to spend money, I hesitated to buy new clothes.
3Used as '~には惜しい' to say someone or something is too good for its current position, deserving something better.
彼女の実力は今の役職には惜しいと思う。
I think her ability is too good for her current position.
この味は立ち食いそば屋にしておくには惜しい。
This flavor is too good to be wasted on a standing-only soba stand.
4Used when something almost succeeded but fell just short; often used alone as an exclamation, 'So close!'
シュートは惜しくもポストに当たって外れた。
The shot narrowly missed, hitting the post.
惜しい！もう少しでクリアできたのに。
So close! You almost cleared it.
テストは惜しくも合格点に一点足りなかった。
On the test, he was one point short of the passing score - so close.