Definitions

sadly

[sad-lee] / ˈsæd li /

ADVERB

unhappily

Synonyms

STRONGEST

wistfully

WEAK

cheerlessly dejectedly dismally dolefully gloomily grievously joylessly morosely sorrowfully

Antonyms

WEAK

happily

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.

"Sadly, today, our sea has become shallow. It's no longer suitable for swimming."

From Barron's • Jun. 19, 2026

Sadly, the U.S. is likely to be left behind.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

Sadly, the list is long, feel free to look it up ...

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Sadly, confinement isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a capybara who has a run-in with a human.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Sadly, the Ferris Wheel was not quite ready.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson