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

Conversely, Broadcom’s stock may be “already grossly oversold” in light of its recent declines, Meeks added.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

"We offer an alternative," said tricycle owner Ariel Estrada, 54, while acknowledging that Havana's fleet of three-wheelers was grossly unequal to Cubans' needs.

From Barron's • Feb. 15, 2026

The Gates spokesperson said the transactions with Nikolic were significantly below $100 million and that “Epstein’s emails grossly exaggerated his importance and involvement” in the negotiations over Nikolic’s separation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Labour's David Smith said it would be a "grossly unjust use of parliamentary procedure".

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

That seems grossly unfair, and my first impulse is to say something cutting.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins