sadly
/ˈsædli/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: sadlier · sadliest
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In a sad manner; sorrowfully.
Adverb
Examples
“Only when we climb up can we see it,” he said sadly.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Unfortunately, sad to say.
Adverb
Examples
If you think you’re getting out of this place alive, you are sadly mistaken, my friend.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “sadly” mean?
In a sad manner; sorrowfully.
Is “sadly” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.