Word
sadly
Phoneticssad·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsædɫi/
UK/sˈædli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01unfortunately
A2 · Elementary
adv. you use this to say that something is a pity or that you are sorry about a situation.
adv. used as a sentence adverb to express regret or to indicate that a situation is unfortunate.
“Sadly, we don't have enough money to go on holiday this year.”
“Sadly, the historic theatre was demolished before the local council could secure the funding necessary for its restoration.”
Usage
Often placed at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire statement.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02in a sad way
A2 · Elementary
adv. in a way that shows you are feeling unhappy or sorrowful.
adv. in a sorrowful or mournful manner; expressing grief or unhappiness through one's actions or voice.
“He looked sadly at the old photos of his childhood home.”
“The child looked sadly at his broken toy, realizing that it was far beyond any simple repair.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03badly or poorly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adv. in a way that is very bad or disappointing.
adv. in a manner that is regrettable, deplorable, or of very poor quality.
“The team was sadly lacking in experience compared to their opponents.”
“The original safety report was sadly neglected by the management, leading to several avoidable accidents in the following months.”
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English sadly; equivalent to sad + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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