A2adverb 2K

Sadly

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈsædli/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈsædli/"]/

Meaning of Sadly

in a sad way

In simple words: unhappily

Sadly in a sentence

• ‘I'm so sorry,’ she said sadly.
• She shook her head sadly.
• Charles smiled sadly. There was nothing more he could say.
• My father smiled sadly and shook his head.
• Sadly, after eight years of marriage they had grown apart.
• Although Scott is remarkably talented at screenwriting, his directing skills are **sadly lacking**.
• She will be **sadly missed**.
• They had hoped to win and were sadly disappointed.
• If you think I'm going to help you again, you're **sadly** *(= completely)* **mistaken.**
• His work has been sadly neglected.

How to use Sadly

Use 'sadly' to show disappointment or regret. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but avoid it in very casual settings.

Grammar pattern

sadly + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'sad' as in feeling blue, and 'ly' adds the idea of doing it sadly.

Related words

Collocations with Sadly

• sadly accepted
• sadly realized
• sadly noted
• sadly remarked
• sadly looked

Synonyms for Sadly

• unhappily
• sorrowfully
• mournfully
• dismally
• dejectedly

Opposites of Sadly

• happily
• joyfully

Common mistakes with Sadly

• Using 'sadly' in a positive context.
• Confusing 'sadly' with 'suddenly'.

Frequently asked questions about Sadly

What does Sadly mean?

unhappily

What is the definition of Sadly?

in a sad way

How do you use Sadly in a sentence?

‘I'm so sorry,’ she said sadly.

Can you give another example of Sadly?

She shook her head sadly.

What are synonyms for Sadly?

Common alternatives include unhappily, sorrowfully, mournfully, dismally, dejectedly.

What is the opposite of Sadly?

Opposite meanings include happily, joyfully.

What words go with Sadly?

It commonly pairs with sadly accepted, sadly realized, sadly noted, sadly remarked, sadly looked.

What are common mistakes when using Sadly?

Using 'sadly' in a positive context. Confusing 'sadly' with 'suddenly'.

How do you pronounce Sadly?

US: /["/ˈsædli/"]/, UK: /["/ˈsædli/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Sadly?

Use 'sadly' to show disappointment or regret. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but avoid it in very casual settings.

What CEFR level is Sadly?

"Sadly" is at A2 level on the CEFR scale.