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Definition of forlornly

forlornly

/fɚˈlɔːrnli/
for · lorn · ly
Adjective:forlorn
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forlornly Lexical Profile

forlornly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a pitifully sad, lonely, or abandoned manner; desolately or dejectedly.

Example

"The stray dog sat forlornly outside the bakery window, hoping someone would toss it a scrap of bread."

2

In a hopeless or despairing manner, with little expectation of success.

Example

"With the storm washing out the main road, the stranded hikers waited forlornly for a rescue helicopter that could not fly in the fog."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

forklike
forktail
forlorn
forlornly
form
formability
formal

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'forlorn' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Forlorn' descends from Old English 'forloren', the past participle of 'forleosan' (to lose completely or abandon), combining the intensive prefix 'for-' with 'leosan' (to lose).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Forlornly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/forlornly
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