sorely

comparative more sorely · superlative most sorely

1. In a sore or desperate manner.

   But the decision to electrify north of Sheffield just months after the government 'paused' the Midland Main Line electrification scheme from Leicester to Sheffield illustrates the lack of clear vision or decision-making that the railways sorely need.

   2026 February 4, Richard Wilcock, “Northern Powerhouse Rail still delivers more questions than answers”, in RAIL, number 1054, page 22

2. Very, extremely.

   He said he wanted it [the picture] for his study. I would not let him have it, and he went away sorely puzzled.

   1980, Stephen King, The Mist, Viking Press

   1 more example

   If Chelsea hoped this blow would have a detrimental effect on Arsenal, they were to be sorely mistaken as the Gunners surged forward after the restart.

   2011 October 29, Phil McNulty, “Chelsea 3 - 5 Arsenal”, in BBC Sport