Sadly means in a way that shows or causes sadness. When you speak sadly, your voice might be quiet and low, reflecting feelings of disappointment or sorrow. You might walk sadly away from a friend's house when it's time to go home, or look sadly at a broken toy you can't fix.

The word describes actions done with a sad feeling. A character in a story might sadly shake her head when she hears bad news. You might sadly realize that summer vacation is ending soon.

People also use sadly to express regret or disappointment about a fact: “Sadly, the weather ruined our picnic plans.” This use acknowledges something unfortunate without necessarily meaning the speaker feels deeply sorrowful, just that the situation is regrettable or less than ideal.

Notice how sadly can color almost any action: waving sadly, smiling sadly (a bittersweet expression), or even laughing sadly (finding humor in something painful). The word captures both the emotion someone feels inside and how that emotion shows on the outside through their words, face, or movements.