Badly: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when something goes wrong or in a poor manner. It can describe situations, emotions, or abilities.

• She spoke English badly.
• He felt badly after the argument.

Describes something extreme in nature, often referring to damage or conditions. It can convey a sense of seriousness.

• He was severely injured in the crash.
• The punishment was severely harsh.

Describes something done in a substandard or inadequate manner. Often used in formal or neutral contexts.

• The project was poorly executed.
• He performed poorly in the test.

Indicates something very bad or dreadful. Can also mean 'very' in informal speech, similar to 'awfully'.

• The weather was terribly cold.
• She plays terribly on the piano.

Emphasizes the extent or degree of something, often negative. It can also mean 'very' in informal contexts.

• The movie was awfully boring.
• I'm awfully tired today.

Describes something very unpleasant or terrible. It often adds a sense of shock or distress.

• She cried horribly after the accident.
• The food tasted horribly bad.