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Definition of sadly

sadly

/ˈsæd.li/
sad · ly
Adjective:sad
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sadly Lexical Profile

sadly Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a sad, sorrowful, or unhappy manner.

Example

"She smiled sadly as she waved goodbye to her childhood friends."

2

Unfortunately or regrettably (used as a sentence modifier to express sorrow or disappointment about a statement or fact).

Example

"Sadly, the historic theater had to close its doors due to a lack of funding."

3

To a deplorable, severe, or regrettable degree; badly or woefully.

Example

"The old garden had been sadly neglected for several years."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for sadly

• Rhymes for sadly

• Nearby Words

sadist
sadistic
sadistically
sadly
sadness
sadomasochism
sadomasochist

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English sædlice, originally meaning 'gravely, seriously, or thoroughly,' derived from the adjective sæd ('sated' or 'weary').

Cite this Entry

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