12 Other Ways to Say “My Schedule Is Full”

So, you’re trying to let someone know you don’t have availability for them.

It can be scary to tell someone you have no time and you can’t fit them in.

However, when it’s necessary, you should learn how to say your schedule is full in an email.

This article has gathered the best phrases to help you with this:

  • Unfortunately, I’m completely booked up
  • Regrettably, my calendar is already packed
  • I’m afraid I have a very tight schedule
  • I’m afraid I’m completely packed at the moment
  • I have a tight schedule that doesn’t allow for new bookings
  • I’m fully booked
  • My calendar is already filled
  • I’m afraid I’m already as occupied as I can be
  • All my time slots are taken, so I can’t add anything else
  • I’m unable to fit anything else into my busy schedule
  • My calendar is completely occupied
  • Unfortunately, I don’t have any openings in my schedule

Keep reading to learn how to say you’re busy professionally. You can also review the email examples to see how each one works.

1. Unfortunately, I’m Completely Booked Up

If you need to politely say “my schedule is full,” start with “unfortunately, I’m completely booked up.”

It’s a great choice for formal emails. It lets the recipient know you simply have no space in your schedule.

Generally, you will follow the phrase with something like “today” or “this week.” That way, you can specify when you’re booked up and see if you can work around it with the recipient.

Here’s a great example to show you how to use it:

Dear Mr. Jeffries,

Unfortunately, I’m completely booked up today. I can’t do much about that, and I definitely can’t fit you in.

Yours,
Duncan Bucharest

2. Regrettably, My Calendar Is Already Packed

Starting any phrase with “regrettably” is formal and respectful. Therefore, this is a great one to include in a professional email.

We recommend using “regrettably, my calendar is already packed” formally.

It’s great to use when emailing a client. It shows that you’ve already looked through your calendar and can’t find a reasonable time to fit them in.

Sometimes, you can’t help it if your schedule is fully booked. However, polite phrases like this will go a long way in ensuring the recipient isn’t upset.

If you’re still unsure, check out this example:

Dear Mr. Crick,

Regrettably, my calendar is already packed. So, I’m afraid there’s no way that I can fit this in.

Yours,
Ben Buchanan

3. I’m Afraid I Have a Very Tight Schedule

Next, you can use “I’m afraid I have a very tight schedule.” It’s another way to say “my schedule is full” that shows you regret not being able to fit someone in.

We recommend using this when emailing a customer. It shows you’d like to help them, but you can’t find a reasonable way to fit them into your schedule.

Feel free to refer to this email sample as well:

Dear Hillary,

I’m afraid I have a very tight schedule this week. It might make more sense for us to resolve this next week.

All the best,
Sophie Myers

4. I’m Afraid I’m Completely Packed at the Moment

Feel free to use “I’m afraid I’m completely packed at the moment” instead of “my schedule is full.”

This is a great professional synonym that shows you’re too busy to book any more meetings.

Try it when emailing an employee. It lets them know that you’d like to accommodate them, but you simply can’t find a workaround.

Generally, employees will respect a phrase like this. After all, they should already know that you’re quite busy and need to take the time to address other matters.

Here’s a great example to help you understand it:

Dear Adam,

I’m afraid I’m completely packed at the moment. I wish there was something else I could do.

Yours,
Mario Lopez

5. I Have a Tight Schedule That Doesn’t Allow for New Bookings

You can also say “I have a tight schedule that doesn’t allow for new bookings.” This is a great way to replace “my schedule is full.”

We recommend using this when emailing a client who needs help.

While it might inconvenience them to turn them down, you should let them know if you don’t have time to accommodate them.

Generally, this will allow a client to find a new time that works better. You can talk with them to decide when is more appropriate.

This sample email will also help you:

Dear Miss Clinic,

I have a tight schedule that doesn’t allow for new bookings today. I’m so sorry to inconvenience you.

All the best,
Milo Miller

6. I’m Fully Booked

For a more simple phrase, try “I’m fully booked.”

It might be simple, but it’s still professional. Therefore, it works really well in business emails.

You can use it when emailing an employee. It shows you’ve already got plans, so you can’t go through with a meeting they might want.

Also, check out this simple email example:

Dear Santana,

I’m fully booked this week! You’ll have to arrange something with my secretary for next week.

Kind regards,
Mary Lambert

7. My Calendar Is Already Filled

“My calendar is already filled” is another way to say “my schedule is full” in professional emails.

It’s great because it shows that you’ve already got important business to tend to. Therefore, you can’t simply book someone else in for a new meeting.

This should be a good way to encourage the recipient to find a more suitable time.

Try it when emailing your coworkers. It shows you’d like to fit them in, but you need to find a time that’s appropriate to do so.

Feel free to review this example before you go:

Dear Julio,

My calendar is already filled. I’ll let you know if anything changes, but it doesn’t look like we’ll do it this week.

All the best,
Samson Jiggle

8. I’m Afraid I’m Already as Occupied as I Can Be

You should give “I’m afraid I’m already as occupied as I can be” a try. It’s formal and polite, making it a great contender for a useful synonym here.

We recommend using it when emailing a business partner. It shows you regret having to turn them down, but you simply can’t find a way to fit them into your schedule.

After all, sometimes, schedules don’t align well. You can’t help it, and it’s best to let someone know as soon as you’re not free to meet with them.

Here’s a great email example to help you as well:

Dear Mr. Dough,

I’m afraid I’m already as occupied as I can be. Therefore, I will not accept any new meetings for the time being.

My best,
Tulip Winchester

9. All My Time Slots Are Taken, so I Can’t Add Anything Else

Get to the point quickly by saying “all my time slots are taken.” Rather than beating around the bush, this is a great way to let the recipient know you have no spare time.

Then, you can include “I can’t add anything else.”

This shows that you are fully booked professionally. It gives the recipient a chance to consider other options and see if they can work around a time when you’re more accessible.

If you’re still stuck, check out this sample email:

Dear Stuart,

All my time slots are taken, so I can’t add anything else this week. I hope you can understand.

Best,
Tom Bedford

10. I’m Unable to Fit Anything Else Into My Busy Schedule

Another way to say “my schedule is full” is “I’m unable to fit anything else into my busy schedule.”

It’s a great phrase to use formally. We recommend including it in a business email when someone requires your attention.

For instance, use it when emailing a customer. It shows you regret to turn them away, but you simply cannot fit them in.

You can also review this example:

Dear Michaela,

I’m unable to fit anything else into my busy schedule right now. Please ask one of my colleagues for help.

Yours,
Ben White

11. My Calendar Is Completely Occupied

“My calendar is completely occupied” is a great professional phrase to include in an email.

It is a good synonym for “my schedule is full” which shows you can’t fit someone’s booking into your schedule.

Try it when emailing a client. It tells them that you’re not able to see them, and they may need to find another way to get their point across.

Here’s a great example to help you with it:

Dear Ms. Clark,

My calendar is completely occupied, I’m afraid. There’s no way for me to work around that right now.

All the best,
Sean Winter

12. Unfortunately, I Don’t Have Any Openings in My Schedule

If you start an email with “unfortunately,” it usually means you’re about to share some bad news.

In this case, the bad news comes from the fact you’re too busy to help someone.

We recommend including “I don’t have any openings in my schedule” to sound respectful and polite.

It’s a great way to turn down a meeting with an employee. If they’ve reached out, but you’re not free, use a phrase like this.

You can also review this email sample:

Dear Damian,

Unfortunately, I don’t have any openings in my schedule. I’ll let you know when that changes, though.

My best,
Freya Hidden