badly
0 antonyms and opposites of badly, grouped by meaning.
Adv — In a poor, unsatisfactory, or incorrect way.
How to use badly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English badly, formed from bad plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of badly →Frequently asked questions
What does “badly” mean?
The word “badly” means in a poor, unsatisfactory, or incorrect way. In plain terms, poorly, or — in a different sense — intensely and urgently.
How do you pronounce “badly”?
“Badly” is pronounced BAD-lee (/ˈbæd.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “badly” in a sentence?
Here is “badly” used in a sentence: “The project was managed badly from the very start.”
What part of speech is “badly”?
“Badly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “badly” come from?
The word “badly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English badly, formed from bad plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Is “badly” a common word?
“Badly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “badly” have?
“Badly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a poor, unsatisfactory, or incorrect way.
What is the difference between 'badly' and 'bad'?
'Badly' is an adverb and describes how an action is done — "she sings badly." 'Bad' is an adjective and describes a noun — "a bad singer." A common trap is "I feel bad" (correct, describing your state) versus "I feel badly," which literally implies your sense of touch is poor.
What is the opposite of 'badly'?
The direct opposite is 'well,' meaning in a good, satisfactory, or correct way — "he did badly" becomes "he did well." Other contrasting adverbs include 'skilfully,' 'properly,' and 'successfully,' with the best choice depending on whether you mean quality, correctness, or a good outcome.
What is an example of 'badly' in a sentence?
'Badly' usually follows a verb to show poor performance or manner: "the essay was badly written," "they performed badly in the exam," or "the wound was bleeding badly." It can also mean 'very much' or 'greatly,' as in "she badly wanted to win" or "we badly need help."