unhappily

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ʌnˈhæpɪli/

KK: /ʌnˈhæpɪli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that shows sadness or lack of happiness.

Example

She smiled, but deep down, she felt unhappily about the situation.

Conversation

I saw Jamie at the party, and he looked unhappily alone in the corner.

Really? I thought he would enjoy being there.

Yeah, it was surprising to see him looking so unhappily out of place.

Maybe he just wasn't in the mood for a big gathering.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

sadly

miserably

sorrowfully

Antonyms

happily

joyfully

cheerfully

Root Explanation

Unhappily → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "happy" (from Old English "hap", meaning fortune or luck) and "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "unhappily" means in a manner that is not happy or unfortunate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') being added to 'happy' — so when someone is unhappy, they are experiencing life in a way that is not fortunate.

Visually Confused Words