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.

Now he could only look back sadly on those pages, the years not having been kind.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Was expecting Verstappen-like things down into Turn One but sadly, it wasn't meant to be with Red Bull's engine issues.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

“Cyberselfish” was never intended as prophecy — but sadly it has turned out to be.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

The Finals are here, and the stale jokes are sadly over.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

“Then you leave me no choice,” she says sadly.

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas