badly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "badly" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you.
Solutions for "badly crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ILL: Meaning in a poor way or unhealthily. Often used when describing how someone fares.
6 Letters
POORLY: In an unsatisfactory or inferior way; not well. Directly synonymous with 'badly'.
SORELY: To a severe or great degree, often implying distress or need. For example, 'sorely missed'.
7 Letters
AWFULLY: Very or extremely. Can be used ironically or to emphasize intensity, as in 'awfully good'.
8 Letters
TERRIBLY: In a very bad, unpleasant, or serious manner; to a great extent. Similar to 'awfully'.
9 Letters
ABYSMALLY: Extremely badly; appallingly. Denotes a very low or poor standard.
More About "badly crossword clue"
The adverb "badly" is a frequent visitor in crossword puzzles, and its solutions often hinge on understanding its various shades of meaning. It can refer to doing something in a poor or incorrect manner, as in 'performing badly'. However, it can also intensify a negative state or feeling, like 'badly hurt' or 'badly needed'. Crossword setters love to play on these different interpretations.
When encountering "badly," consider not only direct synonyms but also words that convey a strong negative degree or an undesirable outcome. The number of letters available in your grid is your primary guide, but also think about the context of the larger puzzle. Is it a pun? Part of an idiom? Being aware of these possibilities can unlock the trickiest answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Parts of Speech: Since "badly" is an adverb, look for answers that are also adverbs. This often helps narrow down options from similar-sounding adjectives.
- Think of Intensity: Some answers for "badly" like "SORELY" or "TERRIBLY" refer to a high degree of something, not just poor performance. Keep this nuanced meaning in mind.
- Check for Common Phrases: "Badly" appears in many common phrases (e.g., 'want badly', 'need badly'). Sometimes the clue implies one of these larger phrases, even if only 'badly' is given directly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'badly' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'badly' in crossword puzzles include 'ILL', 'POORLY', 'SORELY', 'AWFULLY', and 'TERRIBLY'. The context of the clue and the length of the required answer will help determine the best fit.
How do I differentiate between 'bad' and 'badly' clues?
The key is the part of speech. 'Bad' is typically an adjective, while 'badly' is an adverb. Clues for 'badly' will usually describe how an action is performed or the degree of something (e.g., 'Performs poorly', 'Greatly in need'). Look for clues that imply an adverbial meaning.
What if none of the suggested answers fit my crossword grid?
Crossword clues can have multiple interpretations. First, double-check your existing letters in the grid. If they don't align, consider less common synonyms or nuances of 'badly'. Sometimes the clue might be a pun or refer to a specific context. You can also try searching for the clue with additional letters you already have.