# abusively

/ɐbjˈuːsɪvli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abusively
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

in a way that is cruel, unfair, or treats someone badly. You use this to describe behavior that is mean or harmful.

For teachers: in a manner that is cruel, unfair, or harmful; treating someone with excessive harshness or violence.

## Examples

- He was fired for speaking abusively to his colleagues.
- The manager was reprimanded for abusively criticizing the team during the meeting.
- The witness claimed that the defendant had abusively manipulated the legal process to delay the trial and exhaust the plaintiff's resources.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.