sorely

adverb

sore·​ly ˈsȯr-lē 

1

: in a sore manner : painfully

2

: very, extremely

sorely needed changes

Synonyms

• agonizingly
• bitterly
• dolefully
• dolorously
• grievously
• hard
• hardly
• inconsolably
• lugubriously
• mournfully
• painfully
• plaintively
• regretfully
• resentfully
• ruefully
• sadly
• sorrowfully
• unhappily
• wailfully
• woefully
• wretchedly

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

Postecoglou has built long-lasting personal connections with many of this Tottenham squad and, as evidenced by the goodbye messages after his departure, he will be sorely missed. —Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2025

For Semler chairman Eric Semler, Bitcoin represents resilience, scarcity, and alignment, traits sorely lacking in the healthcare system. —Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

Bellingham’s blend of elegant technique and fierce tenacity will be sorely missed in Madrid’s midfield. —Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Assuming Gordon is out or ineffective due to his injury, the Nuggets will sorely miss his rebounding against Thunder bigs Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025

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