grossly

American  

[grohs-lee] / ˈgroʊs li /

adverb

1. extremely or flagrantly.

   Frankly, this article is nonsense, because the writer is grossly oversimplifying the problem.

2. in an indecent or obscene way; to a degree considered indecent or obscene.

   He contended that the crude remark about the candidate’s mother breached standards of good taste and was "grossly offensive."

3. in a very general, broad, or rough way.

   In the study, early stomach cancer was grossly classified into three major types, based solely on surface characteristics.

4. in a coarse way that shows lack of refinement or good manners.

   He ate grossly, stuffing his mouth with food which the little boy cut up for him on the plate.

5. thickly or densely.

   The trail is grossly overgrown, as it has not been cut back at all this year.

6. Slang. in an extremely disgusting or repulsive way.

   On entering, you’re met by a swarm of grossly dressed uncles—one of them in an undershirt and pajama shorts—milling all over the place.

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Other Word Forms

• overgrossly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of grossly

gross ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

grossly

The company was found grossly negligent in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil-spill disaster and suffered a fire at an Ohio refinery that killed two workers in 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

Monetary damages being sought include those for anguish, injury and medical expenses, as well as "exemplary" damages because Tesla's actions have been "grossly negligent."

From BBC ● Jun. 24, 2026

Mark Warner, the panel's top Democrat, said the underlying bill had been sound but that Pulte was "grossly unqualified" for the role.

From Barron's ● Jun. 5, 2026

"This Safa travel & visa debacle is embarrassing & grossly unfair towards the players & coaching staff," McKenzie also wrote on X.

From BBC ● May 31, 2026

In one sense it would be grossly unfair for them to learn the facts at the same time.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson