appallingly

Appallingly is an adverb describing something done or shown in a way that causes shock, horror, or dismay; it also characterizes something as extremely bad or unacceptable. It functions to intensify the negative evaluation of a noun, verb, or clause.

Etymology and form: The word is the adverbial form of the adjective appalling, which comes from the verb appall. In English, adverbs are commonly formed by adding the suffix -ly to adjectives, producing appallingly from appalling. The term conveys a strong, often moral, condemnation.

Usage and nuance: Appallingly is typically used in formal or journalistic contexts to emphasize how unacceptable or distressing a situation or action is. It often carries a judgmental tone and can imply that the situation should provoke public concern or condemnation. It can modify nouns directly within a noun phrase or modify verbs and adjectives in the sentence, as in “the conditions were appallingly unsafe” or “the report was appallingly biased.”

Examples: The care provided was appallingly inconsistent. The budget was appallingly mismanaged. The decision was appallingly shortsighted. While effective for emphasis, the word is strong; overuse can risk sensationalism.

Related forms: Appalling (adjective) and appall (verb) are the related base forms. Synonyms include horrifyingly, shockingly, egregiously, and atrociously; antonyms include reassuringly and commendably.

See also: Appalling, adverbs formed with -ly, English adverb formation.