Word
drastically
Phoneticsdras·ti·cal·ly
US/ˈdɹæstɪkɫi/
UK/dɹˈɑːstɪkli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is very extreme, sudden, or serious.
adv. to an extreme or severe degree; used to describe changes that are significant and often unexpected.
Examples
“The weather changed drastically overnight.”
“The company had to cut costs drastically after losing their biggest client last month.”
“While the initial reforms were modest, the political landscape changed drastically once the new legislation was fully implemented across the rural provinces.”
Examples
simple
“The weather changed drastically overnight.”
contextual
“The company had to cut costs drastically after losing their biggest client last month.”
complex
“While the initial reforms were modest, the political landscape changed drastically once the new legislation was fully implemented across the rural provinces.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “drastically” in context.
Verb
01. drastically reduce
“The company had to drastically reduce its carbon emissions to meet the new environmental standards.”
adv + verb
Usage
typically modifies verbs of change like 'reduce', 'increase', 'improve', or 'alter'.
Teaching tip
this word carries a stronger emotional weight than 'significantly'; it implies the change was quite shocking or impactful.
Real-World Examples
“It has drastically cut levels of nitrogen dioxide, a harmful pollutant.” “It can be jarring to see celebrities become suddenly, drastically thin.” Etymology
From drastic + -ally.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/drastically