badly

adverb

bad·​ly ˈbad-lē 

1

: in a bad manner

played badly

2

: to a great or intense degree

want something badly

see also:

badly off for not badly think badly of

Synonyms of badly

• poorly
• bad

Examples of badly in a Sentence

He played badly but I played even worse.

The failure reflects badly on the administration.

She wanted the job badly.

I'm badly in need of a vacation.

His fingers were badly frozen.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gilbert Villegas pointed out in a recent Chicago Tribune op-ed, Illinois is lagging badly behind other states in permits issued for new housing construction. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026

Machchhar was badly injured while trying to fend off the attacker. — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

Berry and Martinez must also refrain from talking badly about one another in front of Maceo. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Private schools and businesses have money and badly need scarce South Florida acreage. — Austin Horn october 1, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing badly

• badly off
• badly off for
• not badly
• think badly of

Rhymes for badly

• gladly
• madly
• sadly
• comradely

Kids Definition

badly

adverb

bad·​ly ˈbad-lē 

worse

ˈwərs

; worst

ˈwərst

1

: in a bad manner

played badly

2

: very much

wanted the jeans badly