woefully so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "woefully so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a negative quality or situation, often indicating that something is regrettably or disappointingly true. Example: "The project was woefully so underfunded that it struggled to meet even the basic requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is in short supply, woefully so in Egypt.

The Economist

Employers say that candidates who manage to land interviews are increasingly unprepared -- sometimes woefully so -- for the interviewing process.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Vietnamese higher education is woefully inadequate, so stints at Western universities are prized.

The Economist

I welcome any government initiative to increase maternal mental health provision, since it's been woefully lacking so far.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is woefully inadequate so we will overhaul the green deal and replace it with a new energy save scheme".

The Guardian

New Delhi's public transportation system is woefully inadequate, so the two boarded a private bus, just as thousands in the city do every day.

The New York Times

The rally does come with a word of warning however as volumes were woefully thin, so we would have to see this move to the upside go further to be confident that all the sellers have been shaken out.

The Guardian - Business

But do bear in mind that UK customs charges are woefully unpredictable, so there's a chance you'll get stung on the doorstep and your imported samples may, in real terms, end up costing more than full size.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will remain woefully inadequate so long as European countries resist expansion, whether through borrowing from reserve-rich countries such as China, Germany and Japan, or big increases in fund quotas and allocations of special drawing rights.

The New York Times

"Disclosure of mutual fund companies is woefully inadequate, so it's impossible for average people to parse fees and the impact on their returns," he said.

Forbes

The general knowledge base on CO monitoring devices is woefully inadequate so it is incumbent upon the aficionado to educate properly.

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your audience. While grammatically correct, "woefully so" can sound slightly formal or literary in some contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "woefully so" in very casual conversations. Simpler phrases like "really bad" or "very inadequate" are often more appropriate and sound less affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "woefully so" functions as an adverbial intensifier, modifying a preceding statement to emphasize the degree to which something is inadequate or disappointing. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Woefully so" is an adverbial phrase used to intensify the degree of inadequacy or disappointment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it is primarily used in news and media, and can be considered neutral in register, it tends toward formality and should be used judiciously in casual settings. Alternatives like "regrettably so" or "sadly lacking" may be more appropriate depending on the context. Overall, the phrase is a powerful way to express strong disapproval, but its relative infrequency suggests it should be used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regrettably so

Replaces "woefully" with "regrettably", focusing on the feeling of regret rather than the severity of the inadequacy.

unfortunately so

Substitutes "woefully" with "unfortunately", emphasizing the negative consequence of the situation.

deplorably so

Emphasizes the shameful or disgraceful nature of the situation, making it a more formal and severe alternative.

lamentably so

Highlights the mournful or sorrowful aspect of the situation, adding an emotional layer.

grievously so

Suggests a severe or serious degree of inadequacy, often implying significant harm or damage.

terribly so

A more informal alternative, emphasizing the extreme degree of inadequacy or poorness.

awfully so

Similar to "terribly so" but slightly less intense, still conveying a strong sense of inadequacy.

shockingly so

Emphasizes the surprising or unexpected nature of the inadequacy, highlighting disbelief.

disappointingly so

Directly focuses on the disappointment caused by the inadequacy, rather than the inadequacy itself.

sadly lacking

Uses an adjectival phrase to express the absence of something desirable, conveying a sense of insufficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "woefully so" to intensify a negative statement, indicating a significant deficiency or inadequacy. For example, "The funding was "woefully so" inadequate that the project was doomed from the start."

What does "woefully so" mean?

"Woefully" means in a regrettable or deplorable manner, and "so" emphasizes the extent of that state. Together, "woefully so" intensifies the degree to which something is inadequate or disappointing.

What are some alternatives to "woefully so"?

Alternatives include "regrettably so", "unfortunately so", or "sadly lacking". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "woefully so" formal or informal?

"Woefully so" leans towards the formal side. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives might be more suitable for casual conversation.