ENGLISH
REFERENCE

miserably

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmɪzɝəbɫi// UK //mˈɪzɹəbli// mis·er·ably

adv. in a way that shows you are very unhappy or that something is done very badly.

adv. in a manner expressing great unhappiness or distress; alternatively, used to describe a complete or pathetic failure.


SIMPLE

He sat miserably in the rain waiting for the bus.

CONTEXTUAL

The team failed miserably in their attempt to win the championship after losing every single game.

COMPLEX

The negotiations failed miserably when neither side proved willing to compromise on the fundamental terms of the agreement, leading to a total breakdown in communication.

Origin

From Middle English myserablie; equivalent to miserable + -ly.

Usage

Often used to intensify verbs of failure like 'fail' or 'lose'.

Pitfall

He failed miserableHe failed miserablyLearners often use the adjective form instead of the adverb to describe the manner of a failure.

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