Word
grossly
Phoneticsgross·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹoʊsɫi/
UK/ɡɹˈəʊsli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. to a very high and unacceptable degree. You use it to emphasize how bad, unfair, or wrong something is.
adv. to an extreme or excessive degree, typically in a way that is offensive, reprehensible, or clearly inaccurate.
Examples
“The cost of the repairs was grossly overpriced.”
“The company was found guilty of grossly underestimating the environmental impact of its new factory.”
“Legal experts argued that the defendant's rights had been grossly violated during the initial investigation, rendering the subsequent evidence inadmissible in court.”
Examples
simple
“The cost of the repairs was grossly overpriced.”
contextual
“The company was found guilty of grossly underestimating the environmental impact of its new factory.”
complex
“Legal experts argued that the defendant's rights had been grossly violated during the initial investigation, rendering the subsequent evidence inadmissible in court.”
Usage
Typically used to modify adjectives with negative connotations, such as 'unfair', 'inaccurate', or 'negligent'.
Pitfall
He was grossly happy with the news.
He was extremely happy with the news.
Grossly is almost exclusively used to intensify negative qualities or errors; it is not a neutral synonym for 'very'.
Real-World Examples
“Rowley also criticised the AI companies for being “grossly irresponsible” in the way they developed technology.” “Unfortunately, our two main housing taxes – council tax and stamp duty – are terribly designed, grossly unfair and economically harmful.” Etymology
From gross + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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