single-handedly
Americanadverb
Usage
What does single-handedly mean? Single-handedly means done or accomplished alone—without help from anyone, as in Carol completed the project single-handedly—she did every last thing herself. Single-handedly is the adverb form of the adjective single-handed, which is used to describe something done by one person, as with a single-handed attempt. Single-handed can also be used as an adverb, as in Abdul sailed the boat single-handed. Single-handedly is also used in situations in which someone has done something without help from anyone else even though they were available, as in She single-handedly beat the other team—scoring the final 15 points of the game by herself. Example: Lori single-handedly solved the math equation that had stumped mathematicians for years.
Etymology
Origin of single-handedly
First recorded in 1880–85
Explanation
When you do something single-handedly, you do it on your own, with no help from anyone else. Superheroes are known for single-handedly defeating bad guys. Use the adverb single-handedly when a person achieves something independently, especially when it's especially admirable or difficult. Your mom might have single-handedly raised you and your siblings, or you might try to single-handedly move a dining room table out the front door before your yard sale. Single-handedly comes from the adjective single-handed, or "done without help," and both words have been in use since the early 1700's.
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.
He may not single-handedly solve homicides in America, but today it seems he’s accomplished his more modest goal of touching at least one Angeleno with his words.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2026
Walker, who added 18 receiving yards, single-handedly outgained the entire Broncos’ offense.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
Most memorable of all was on the final day of the 1994-95 season, when he single-handedly kept out the attacking might of Manchester United to deny them a third consecutive Premier League title.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026
Larry Scott, who single-handedly destroyed the old Pac-12, now vows to work his “magic” on the tennis world.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026
That girl had single-handedly faced down the Shetani; more than that, she’d commanded it.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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