sorely

adverb

sore·​ly ˈsȯr-lē 

1

: in a sore manner : painfully

2

: very, extremely

sorely needed changes

Synonyms

• agonizingly
• bitterly
• dolefully
• dolorously
• grievously
• hard
• hardly
• inconsolably
• lugubriously
• mournfully
• painfully
• plaintively
• regretfully
• resentfully
• ruefully
• sadly
• sorrowfully
• unhappily
• wailfully
• woefully
• wretchedly

Examples of sorely in a Sentence

You will be sorely missed.

She provided some sorely needed help.

The house is sorely in need of paint.

He is sorely lacking in social skills.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the long-term effects remain to be seen, the near-term consumer impacts of the Federal Reserve’s rate cut are clear, providing a financial boost at a time when economic optimism is sorely needed. —Nandan Sheth, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Legal aid is a sorely underfunded resource in Michigan. —Detroit Free Press Staff, Detroit Free Press, 18 Oct. 2024

Changing this dynamic will be difficult, but change is sorely needed. —Christopher S. Chivvis, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2024

Madison brings a fresh perspective on how Santa Clara County can succeed by both serving the people and being accountable to the people, all people, something that is sorely needed in our local government. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sorely

adverb

sore·​ly ˈsō(ə)r-lē 

ˈsȯ(ə)r-

: in a sore manner