# grossly

/ˈɡɹoʊsɫi/ (US) · /ɡɹˈəʊsli/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adverb

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

## Definition

to a very high and unacceptable degree. You use it to emphasize how bad, unfair, or wrong something is.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was grossly happy with the news." but "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'.

## Usage notes

- Typically used to modify adjectives with negative connotations, such as 'unfair', 'inaccurate', or 'negligent'.

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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.