# miserably

/ˈmɪzɝəbɫi/ (US) · /mˈɪzɹəbli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/miserably
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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

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

## Examples

- He sat miserably in the rain waiting for the bus.
- The team failed miserably in their attempt to win the championship after losing every single game.
- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He failed miserable" but "He failed miserably" — Learners often use the adjective form instead of the adverb to describe the manner of a failure.

## Usage notes

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

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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.