# drastically

/ˈdɹæstɪkɫi/ (US) · /dɹˈɑːstɪkli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drastically
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. extremely or suddenly

adverb · CEFR B2

in a way that is very extreme, sudden, or serious.

For teachers: to an extreme or severe degree; used to describe changes that are significant and often unexpected.

- The price of bread has risen drastically over the last few months.
- The company was forced to drastically reduce its workforce following a series of unexpected financial losses in the third quarter.

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.

## 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.

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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.