although woefully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although woefully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or concession, typically indicating that something is lacking or insufficient in a particular context. Example: "The project was completed on time, although woefully under budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although woefully outnumbered, the Union infantry managed to repulse several assaults, nearly foiling Magruder's plans.

The New York Times

Although woefully underpowered for the average Ice Cream Sandwich lover, the device, even jailbroken, offers an introductory experience and is seen as sort of a gateway drug to more powerful Android and iOS devices.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's cool that the camera has a built-in printer (although it's woefully bad).

TechCrunch

I enjoyed both visits, although service was woefully hot and cold during one dinner.

Los Angeles Times

As I noted a few weeks ago about Raleigh, the city is very much on the move and has grown a crop of first-rate contemporary and ethnic restaurants, although it is woefully lacking in good Italian places to dine.

Huffington Post

Murata is the third woman to attain high political office in Japan in the past two months, although women are still woefully under-represented in the country's parliament.

The Guardian

It's a revamp that Priscilla hopes will put Elvis in touch with the "young folk", although unless I've woefully underestimated said young folk's appreciation for Michael Bublé (he duets on Fever), I'd wager that the rich, classical setting is more suited to established fans intrigued to hear a fuller-sounding Elvis.

The Guardian - Music

Today, the GSMA issued a statement confirming that it is working on this — although it is still woefully thin on details.

TechCrunch

The lab has great potential, but is woefully underutilized, although the few other students who do come in for help often ask me how I've learned what I know, hoping to find a way that they can learn it, too.

Huffington Post

Hubbard, meanwhile, spent much of his time riding horseback and writing magazine essays ranting against conformity, capitalism and "woefully ignorant" millionaires — although the colony's original financing had come from a fortune he had earned during a first career as a soap company executive.

The New York Times - Arts

And although I still think Love Thy Neighbour was woefully misconceived, I could see his point of view.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "although woefully" to introduce a contrasting element, highlighting a significant deficiency or inadequacy despite another fact or condition. It adds emphasis to the degree of inadequacy.

Common error

Avoid using "although woefully" in very casual or informal writing. The phrase has a somewhat formal tone, and simpler alternatives like "though sadly" or "even if poorly" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although woefully" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses where one clause presents a fact that contrasts with or mitigates the impact of the other. It indicates that despite a significant deficiency, something else is still true or relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

TechCrunch

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "although woefully" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a contrast, highlighting a significant deficiency despite another fact. Ludwig AI validates this usage. It's relatively rare but appears mostly in news and media contexts and tends to have a neutral to formal tone. While effective for emphasizing inadequacy, it should be used judiciously, especially avoiding overuse in very informal settings. Alternatives like "albeit inadequately" or "though unfortunately" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

albeit inadequately

Replaces "although" with "albeit", offering a more formal and concise contrast with inadequacy.

though unfortunately

Replaces "although" with "though" and "woefully" with "unfortunately", providing a more straightforward expression of misfortune.

while regrettably

Replaces "although" with "while" and "woefully" with "regrettably", changing the tone slightly to emphasize regret.

though imperfect

Simplifies the expression to a more direct statement of imperfection, removing the adverbial intensity.

even though sadly

Substitutes "although" with "even though" and "woefully" with "sadly", offering a more emotional connotation.

even if deficiently

Combines "even if" with "deficiently" to express a conditional inadequacy.

despite its deficiency

Similar to the previous, this rephrases to emphasize the deficiency despite which something else occurs.

while imperfectly

A more concise alternative, focusing on the lack of perfection rather than a severe deficiency.

notwithstanding its inadequacy

Significantly alters the structure to focus on inadequacy as a central point, using "notwithstanding" to introduce the contrast.

in spite of its lamentable state

Emphasizes the poor condition with "lamentable state", changing the tone to one of sorrow or regret.

FAQs

How can I use "although woefully" in a sentence?

Use "although woefully" to introduce a clause that acknowledges a significant deficiency or inadequacy while still making a point about something else. For example: "Although woefully underfunded, the project still managed to achieve some of its goals."

What are some alternatives to "although woefully"?

You can use alternatives such as "albeit inadequately", "though unfortunately", or "while regrettably" depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "although woefully" formal or informal?

"Although woefully" leans towards the formal side due to the use of "woefully", which is more common in formal writing. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "although woefully" and "although sadly"?

"Although woefully" emphasizes a greater degree of inadequacy or deficiency compared to "although sadly". "Woefully" implies a more severe lack, whereas "sadly" simply expresses regret or disappointment.