Word
criminally
Phoneticscrim·i·nal·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹɪmənəɫi/
UK/kɹˈɪmɪnəli/
Adverb of manner Law
Definition
adv. in a way that breaks the law, or to describe something that is very bad or unfair. You often use it to show that something good is being ignored or wasted.
adv. in a manner that involves or relates to a crime; also used figuratively to emphasize that something is extreme or neglected to a shameful degree.
Examples
“The company was found to have acted criminally.”
“It is criminally unfair that such a talented musician has never been offered a recording contract.”
“The historic building was criminally neglected for decades until a local heritage group finally secured the funds necessary for its complete structural restoration.”
Examples
simple
“The company was found to have acted criminally.”
contextual
“It is criminally unfair that such a talented musician has never been offered a recording contract.”
complex
“The historic building was criminally neglected for decades until a local heritage group finally secured the funds necessary for its complete structural restoration.”
Usage
When used figuratively for emphasis, it typically precedes an adjective like 'underrated', 'neglected', or 'expensive'.
Real-World Examples
“The Plymouth, Massachusetts, jury has been deliberating since Thursday over whether Clancy is criminally responsible for killing her children.” “Toronto Police are searching for an elopee who was found not criminally responsible for mischief.” Word family
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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