What does "sadly" mean?

1. (unfortunately) you use this to say that something is a pity or that you are sorry about a situation. 2. (in a sad way) in a way that shows you are feeling unhappy or sorrowful. 3. (badly or poorly) in a way that is very bad or disappointing.

How do you use "sadly"?

Often placed at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire statement.

sadly

adv.

US //ˈsædɫi// UK //sˈædli// sad·ly

1 unfortunately (adv.)
A2 Elementary

you use this to say that something is a pity or that you are sorry about a situation.

used as a sentence adverb to express regret or to indicate that a situation is unfortunate.

Example

Sadly, we don't have enough money to go on holiday this year.

Example

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.
- unfortunately
- unluckily
- regrettably
- fortunately
- luckily
2 in a sad way (adv.)
A2 Elementary

in a way that shows you are feeling unhappy or sorrowful.

in a sorrowful or mournful manner; expressing grief or unhappiness through one's actions or voice.

Example

He looked sadly at the old photos of his childhood home.

Example

The child looked sadly at his broken toy, realizing that it was far beyond any simple repair.
- sorrowfully
- unhappily
- mournfully
- happily
- cheerfully

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3 badly or poorly (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

in a way that is very bad or disappointing.

in a manner that is regrettable, deplorable, or of very poor quality.

Example

The team was sadly lacking in experience compared to their opponents.

Example

The original safety report was sadly neglected by the management, leading to several avoidable accidents in the following months.
- badly
- poorly
- deplorably
- well
- excellently

Origin

From Middle English sadly; equivalent to sad + -ly.