C2adverbformalemotionslanguage
US/fɔːrˈlɔːrn.li/
UK/fəˈlɔːn.li/
in a sad and lonely way, as if no one cares or there is no hope
In context
The puppy sat forlornly by the door, waiting for its owner to return.
She stared forlornly at the empty platform after the last train had gone.
A single balloon floated forlornly above the deserted playground.
Words that go with forlornly
verb + adverb
- stand forlornlyHe would stand forlornly in the rain with no umbrella.
- sit forlornlyThe old man sat forlornly on a bench in the park.
- wait forlornlyShe waited forlornly for a phone call that never came.
- stare forlornlyThe children stared forlornly at the closed shop.
- look forlornlyThe dog looked forlornly at its empty bowl.
- hang forlornlyA few flags would hang forlornly after the festival.