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Definitions

awfully

[aw-fuh-lee, awf-lee] / ˈɔ fə li, ˈɔf li /
ADVERB
badly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dreadfully wickedly
WEAK
clumsily disgracefully disreputably inadequately incompletely poorly reprehensibly shoddily unforgivably unpleasantly wretchedly
ADVERB
very
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dreadfully excessively extremely hugely immensely quite terribly truly
WEAK
badly greatly indeed much very much

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That sounds awfully dire and overblown, I know.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

After the statement, a well-known photo of Donald Trump, Melania, Epstein, and Maxwell together at an event in the year 2000, standing close and looking awfully cozy, began to circulate online once again.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

"Last year we had an awfully dry summer which impacted yields drastically so now with our energy prices being hit like they have, it just feels like one thing after another."

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“We’re getting awfully close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 24, 2026

“You have awfully hairy legs, Charlotte,” said Wilbur, as the spider busily worked at her task.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White