grievously
Americanadverb
-
in a way that causes or shows grief, sorrow, pain, or suffering.
There is no denying that the inmates were grievously malnourished.
The first marine he reached was grievously wounded, and his medical assistance was undoubtedly instrumental in saving the man's life.
-
in a way that is flagrant or outrageous.
The accomplished actress is grievously wasted as a femme fatale who doesn't utter a single word.
The court concluded that the manager had put himself in a position in which his own private interests conflicted grievously with those of his employer.
-
in a way that is burdensome or oppressive.
The energy necessary to manufacture sufficient solar collectors would itself add grievously to the global burden of pollution and greenhouse gas.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of grievously
Vocabulary lists containing grievously
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.
Indeed, what has been grievously missed in the melee is that this is not really a press story at all—it is a story about court transparency and hubris.
From Slate ● Jul. 2, 2026
“The integrity, independence, and diversity of our industry would be grievously compromised. Competition is essential for a healthy economy and a healthy democracy. So is thoughtful regulation and enforcement.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026
Each loved nature and beauty and harmony, suffered grievously under American settlement and finally succeeded by being true to its heritage.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2025
These actions shocked the conscience and grievously damaged the country.
From Salon ● Mar. 7, 2025
His appearance unsettled Ophie, but it wasn’t because he wore no shirt or shoes or even that he was grievously injured.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
