different between sadly vs unfortunately

English

Etymology

sad +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?sadli/

Adverb

sadly (comparative sadlier or more sadly, superlative sadliest or most sadly)

1. In a sad manner; sorrowfully.

2. Unfortunately, sad to say.
3. (dated) Very much (of a desire etc.); dearly; urgently.
4. (obsolete) Deeply, completely.

Usage notes

In sense of “unfortunately”, most often used either in the collocation “sadly mistaken” or as a sentence adverb. See discussion of sentence modifiers at hopefully and regretfully.

Synonyms

• (in a sad manner): sorrowfully, ruefully, mournfully, regretfully (various terms for particular shades of sadness)
• (unfortunately): unfortunately, sad to say, regrettably, regretfully, alas

Derived terms

• unsadly

Translations

Anagrams

• DALYs, Dyals, ladsy

English

Etymology

unfortunate +? -ly

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?n?f??tj?n?tli/, /?n?f??t???n?tli/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?n?f??t???n?tli/
• Hyphenation: un?for?tu?nate?ly

Adverb

unfortunately (comparative more unfortunately, superlative most unfortunately)

1. Happening through bad luck, or because of some unfortunate event.

2. Used (as a parenthetical word) to express disappointment, compassion, sorrow, regret or grief.

   • Unfortunately, the uproar awoke Mr. Jones, who sprang out of bed, making sure that there was a fox in the yard.

Synonyms

• (through bad luck): unluckily
• (parenthetical word): alas, regrettably, sadly, sad to say

Antonyms

• (through bad luck): fortunately, luckily

Translations