Standard Lemma guide

woefully

adv · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: W OW1 F AH0 L IY0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adv

Meaning 1

In a woeful manner

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • to cry woefully

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adv

Meaning 2

To an unfortunately great extent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • woefully inadequate
  • woefully incapable
  • woefully ignorant

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adverb

Meaning 3

in an unfortunate or deplorable manner

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he was sadly neglected
  • it was woefully inadequate

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: deplorably, lamentably, sadly

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English wofully, equivalent to woeful + -ly.