single-handedly

American  

[sing-guhl-han-did-lee] / ˈsɪŋ gəlˈhæn dɪd li /

adverb

1. in a single-handed manner; single-handed.

---

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

Example Sentences

Anthropic /Clawdbot almost single-handedly launching the software sector into oblivion in recent weeks,” he said.

From MarketWatch

The thrill of seeing a fearless, indefatigable performer single-handedly populate the stage with the myriad figures of this masterwork never lets up.

From Los Angeles Times

The league's reigning Most Valuable Player suffered a head blow, a sprained knee and a hand injury in last weekend's hard-fought clash with Jacksonville, but almost single-handedly dragged his team over the line.

From Barron's

He will be one of a dozen votes on the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, and can’t single-handedly force rates down.

From Barron's

Bills quarterback Allen was once again the hero for Buffalo, almost single-handedly dragging his team over the line against the in-form Jaguars side led by Trevor Lawrence.

From Barron's

Related Words

• courageously