# fatally

/ˈfeɪtəɫi/ (US) · /fˈeɪtəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fatally
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

in a way that causes death or leads to total failure.

For teachers: in a manner that results in death or leads to a disastrous, irreversible conclusion. Often modifies verbs related to injury or nouns describing flaws in a plan.

## Examples

- The driver was fatally injured in the crash.
- The project was fatally flawed from the start because the team ignored the budget limits.
- While the initial error seemed minor, it proved fatally damaging to the company's reputation once the internal documents were leaked to the press.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the past participle 'injured' or 'wounded' in news reports; also used figuratively with 'flawed' or 'weakened'.

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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.