Miserably
/ˈmɪzərəbli/
Definitions
In a way that causes or expresses unhappiness, suffering, or discomfort.
/ˈmɪzərəbli/
In a wretched or pitiable manner.
The dog whimpered miserably when it got separated from its owner.
💡 Simply: It means doing something in a way that makes you feel really sad, unhappy, or uncomfortable. Like, if your favorite ice cream melts and you can't eat it, you'd probably feel miserably!
👶 For kids: When you do something in a way that makes you feel really, really sad or bad.
More Examples
She performed miserably in the talent show, forgetting the lyrics and tripping on stage.
The weather was miserably cold and rainy during our camping trip.
He failed the test miserably.
How It's Used
"The team played miserably, losing the game by a large margin."
"He lived miserably in a small, dark room, haunted by his past."
"I felt miserably after eating that spoiled food."
Idioms & expressions
Miserable failure
A complete and utter failure; a disastrous outcome.
"The project was a miserable failure, costing the company millions."
Miserable wretch
A person considered to be unfortunate and unhappy.
"He felt like a miserable wretch, abandoned and alone."
From Middle English *miserable* (adjective) + -ly (adverb). *Miserable* derives from Latin *miserabilis* meaning 'wretched, pitiable'.
The adverb 'miserably' has been used since the 16th century, primarily to describe actions or states of being associated with unhappiness, suffering, or inadequacy.
Memory tip
Think of *misery* - doing something *miserably* is doing it in a state of unhappiness.
Word Origin
"wretched, pitiable"