sadly
Sadly (adv) means in a sorrowful manner. Example: “She looked sadly at the empty chair.”
How to Use Sadly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a sad way, or "unfortunately" when starting a sentence.
Word Forms
sadlier comparative, more sadly comparative, sadliest superlative, most sadly superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She looked _____ at the empty chair.
Related Words
Rhymes for sadly
See all rhymes for sadly →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sadly” mean?
The word “sadly” means in a sorrowful manner. In plain terms, in a sad way, or "unfortunately" when starting a sentence.
How do you pronounce “sadly”?
“Sadly” is pronounced SAD-lee (/ˈsædli/ in IPA).
How do you use “sadly” in a sentence?
Here is “sadly” used in a sentence: “She looked sadly at the empty chair.”
What part of speech is “sadly”?
“Sadly” is an adverb.
Is “sadly” a common word?
“Sadly” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “sadly” have?
“Sadly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a sorrowful manner.
What is the difference between "sadly" and "unfortunately"?
"Sadly" can describe doing something in a sorrowful manner or introduce a regrettable fact, adding emotional colour. "Unfortunately" simply marks something as unlucky or unwelcome without implying personal sorrow, so "sadly" often sounds more emotive.
Can you start a sentence with "sadly"?
Yes, "sadly" can begin a sentence as a sentence adverb, as in "Sadly, the shop has closed." Used this way it introduces an unfortunate fact and comments on the whole statement rather than on a single verb.
What is the difference between "sadly" and "regrettably"?
Both can introduce an unfortunate fact, but "regrettably" is more formal and suggests polite regret, often in writing or official statements. "Sadly" is more everyday and carries a warmer, more emotional tone.