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

Derived Forms

• overgrossly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of grossly

gross ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

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

In a post Friday on X, Eby called the apology “necessary, and yet grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

He needs military leaders, diplomats and senior officials to carry out his orders — orders that, in this case, were grossly immoral.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

“Our schools are grossly unprepared for this,” said another.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

“My views have often been grossly misrepresented,” he wrote later, “bitterly opposed and ridiculed, but this has been generally done, as I believe, in good faith.”

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman