Apology

Something said or written in defense or justification of what appears to others wrong, or of what may be liable to disapprobation; justification; as, Tertullian's Apology for Christianity.

An acknowledgment intended as an atonement for some improper or injurious remark or act; an admission to another of a wrong or discourtesy done him, accompanied by an expression of regret.

Anything provided as a substitute; a makeshift.

To offer an apology.

a poor example; "it was an apology for a meal"; "a poor excuse for an automobile"