Terminally
/ˈtɜːrmɪnəli/
Definitions
In a way that is expected to lead to death or the end of something; in a way that is incurable or fatal.
/ˈtɜːrmɪnəli/
In a way that is likely to cause death or the end of something
The disease had spread, and the patient was terminally ill.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone has a disease that doctors can't cure, and it will eventually cause them to die. If they're 'terminally' ill, it means they're at the end of their life because of the illness. Similarly, a project can be terminally doomed. It's over, basically.
👶 For kids: When something is terminally something, it means it's going to end. Like if a plant is terminally wilted, it's going to die.
More Examples
The company's financial situation was terminally compromised, leading to its closure.
After a year of fighting, the relationship was terminally damaged.
How It's Used
"The patient was diagnosed as terminally ill."
"The project's funding was terminally depleted, leading to its cancellation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
From the word "terminal" (meaning relating to an end) + "-ly" (adverbial suffix). "Terminal" itself comes from Latin "terminus" (boundary, end).
The use of 'terminally' emerged with the increased focus on medical terminology and the description of serious illnesses in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think 'terminal illness' - it's the end. 'Terminally' means in that same way.
Word Origin
"end, boundary"