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Definition of sorely

sorely

/ˈsɔːr.li/
sore · ly
Adjective:sore
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sorely Lexical Profile

sorely Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

To a very high degree or level of intensity, especially with reference to something urgent, distressing, or deeply felt.

Example

"Her expertise and calm leadership will be sorely missed by the entire department."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sorely
Antonyms
View all antonyms for sorely

Word Nuance & Usage

"Sorely" is predominantly used as an intensifier in fixed collocations expressing lack, need, or testing of endurance, such as "sorely missed," "sorely needed," "sorely tempted," or "sorely tried."

• Rhymes for sorely

• Nearby Words

sordid
sordidly
sore
sorely
soreness
sorex
sorghum

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English sārlic and sārlīce, meaning "painfully" or "grievously," derived from sār ("pain" or "grief").

Cite this Entry

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