sadly

Adverb

sadly (comparative sadlier or more sadly, superlative sadliest or most sadly)

1. In a sad manner; sorrowfully.
   • “Only when we climb up can we see it,” he said sadly.

   Synonyms:

   sorrowfully, ruefully, mournfully, heavily

2. Unfortunately, sad to say.
   • If you think you’re getting out of this place alive, you are sadly mistaken, my friend.
   • Sadly, the two were never to meet again.

   Synonyms:

   unfortunately, sad to say, regrettably, regretfully, alas

3. In a manner to cause sadness; badly; terribly.
   • The people of Ebeltoft were once sadly plagued by them, as they plundered their pantries in a most unconscionable manner; so they consulted a very wise and pious man and his advice was, that they should hang a bell in the steeple of the church.1828, Thomas Keightley, The Fairy Mythology, volume I, London: William Harrison Ainsworth, page 161
4. (dated) Very much (of a desire etc.); dearly; urgently.
   • "Don't ask me: don't make me talk of it," she answered. "I'm not fit now. I have been cruelly used and cruelly wronged. You will be kinder than ever, if you will walk on fast, and not speak to me. I sadly want to quiet myself, if I can."1859, Wilkie Collins, The Woman in White
5. (obsolete) Deeply, completely.
   • By my feythe sayd syre launcelot in that pauelione wil I lodge alle this nyghte / and soo there he alyghte doune and tayed his hors to the pauelione / and there he vnarmed hym / and there he fond a bedde / and layd hym theryn / and felle on slepe sadly1485, Sir Thomas Malory, “iiij”, in Le Morte Darthur, book VI