A2adverb2K

Sadly

UK /["/ˈsædli/"]/US /["/ˈsædli/"]/

Definition

in a sad way

In simple words: unhappily

Examples

‘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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

sadly accepted
sadly realized
sadly noted
sadly remarked
sadly looked

Synonyms

unhappily
sorrowfully
mournfully
dismally
dejectedly

Antonyms

happily
joyfully

Common mistakes

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