adverb
In a way that shows or expresses unhappiness.
She looked sadly at the empty chair.
He smiled sadly when he said goodbye.
Common phrases & grammar
smile sadly · look sadly
subject + verb + sadly
American English
How to pronounce sadly
adverbB1Common word
SAADlee
/ˈsæd̚.li/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
In a way that shows or expresses unhappiness.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
adverb
Used to say that you are sorry about a situation or result.
Sadly, the store is closed today.
Sadly, we cannot offer you a refund.
Good to know
At the start of a sentence, sadly usually means “unfortunately.”
Common phrases & grammar
Sadly, + subject + verb