tragically

adverb

trag·​i·​cal·​ly -k(ə)lē 

-li

1

: in a tragic manner

ridiculously and tragically identifies his passion for her

—Edmund Wilson

2

: to an unfortunate or disastrous degree : regrettably, woefully

died at a tragically early age

—Times Literary Supplement

was soon tragically evident that the cancer of totalitarianism was … spreading

—Richard Hunt

Word History

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now