single-handedly

[sing-guhl-han-did-lee]

adverb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of single-handedly¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

He should have been more a part of the conversation last year after single-handedly almost overcoming an appalling defence to drag the Bengals into the play-offs.

From BBC

It’s a tough assignment to drop into a film for just a couple of scenes, create a complex character and single-handedly spark the protagonist’s emotional unraveling.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Munoz’s report and interviews with department sources, Lloyd was almost single-handedly responsible for breaking the Mission case open.

From Los Angeles Times

After her firing, Bannon said he was “pushing” for Antoni to get the job, calling him “the guy that almost single-handedly took it down by going through their numbers.”

From Salon

Romance stories told against the backdrop of fantasy worlds have almost single-handedly driven a boom in print book sales.

From Salon

Related Words

• courageously www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

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.