dreadfully
Americanadverb
-
in a dreadful way.
The pain has increased dreadfully.
-
very; extremely.
Sorry to be so dreadfully late.
adverb
-
in a shocking, or disagreeable manner
-
(intensifier)
you're dreadfully kind
Etymology
Origin of dreadfully
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.
When the bar for the films themselves is so dreadfully low, I can’t imagine a Marvel fan getting upset about the technical specs of their repetitive, predictable, formulaic, lab-made, half-finished superhero movies.
From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026
An investor only owning those companies that made Bespoke’s list would have done dreadfully.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026
Jane and daughter Megan took part in 2019, but she admitted they did "dreadfully", adding: "We lost £155."
From BBC ● Mar. 13, 2025
“When you get such interesting and amusing film roles, it doesn’t seem dreadfully exciting to be in the 257th revival of ‘The Rivals,’” she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 17, 2025
Negotiating the serrated ridge presents no great technical hurdles, but the route is dreadfully exposed.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
