English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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adv

badly

BAD-lee
adv
1
In a poor, unsatisfactory, or incorrect way.
"The project was managed badly from the very start."
2
To a great degree; very much.
"She badly wanted to win the competition."

How to Use Badly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPoorly, or — in a different sense — intensely and urgently.

Common mistake

In formal writing, "I feel bad" (adjective) is standard, not "I feel badly," which technically suggests a problem with your sense of touch.

Common pairings
badly needed badly injured go badly

Word Forms

worse comparative, more badly comparative, worst superlative, most badly superlative

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Fill the Gap

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The project was managed _____ from the very start.

Etymology

From Middle English badly, formed from bad plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

Rhymes for badly

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial