From meta (after, change) and melō (to care). Means to regret, to feel remorse after the fact. Distinguished from metanoeō (G3340), which implies a genuine change of mind and direction. Metamelomai is emotional regret that may not lead to true repentance.
The distinction between this word and metanoeō (repentance) is theologically critical. Judas 'was seized with remorse' (Matthew 27:3) — he felt terrible about what he had done — but his regret did not lead to saving repentance; it led to suicide. In contrast, the tax collectors and prostitutes repented (metanoeō) and entered the kingdom. Paul notes that godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, while worldly sorrow produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10). Regret without repentance is spiritually fatal.