sorely

adverb

sore·​ly ˈsȯr-lē 

1

: in a sore manner : painfully

2

: very, extremely

sorely needed changes

Synonyms of sorely

• sadly
• bitterly
• sorrowfully
• painfully

Examples of sorely in a Sentence

You will be sorely missed.

She provided some sorely needed help.

The house is sorely in need of paint.

He is sorely lacking in social skills.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the wake of the Lakers’ stunning decision to land 24-year-old big man Walker Kessler via a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz last week, Looney gives the Lakers more frontcourt depth at a time when size is sorely needed to contend in the West. — Sam Amick, New York Times, 7 July 2026

You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

After years of economic decline and mismanagement, basic emergency response resources are sorely lacking. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026

Anyone hoping to see intricate short passing has been sorely disappointed thus far. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

sorely

adverb

sore·​ly ˈsō(ə)r-lē 

ˈsȯ(ə)r-

: in a sore manner