What does atrociously mean?
Atrociously is an adverb describing actions or conditions that are shockingly bad, cruel, or unacceptable. Its core sense applies to treatment or behaviour — people may be treated atrociously in war, in prison, or by institutions — where it conveys moral outrage as well as severity. A second sense describes performance or quality of an extremely poor standard: someone may sing, cook, or write atrociously. Informally, particularly in British English, it also serves as an emphatic intensifier meaning simply 'very', as in 'atrociously expensive'. The word derives from the Latin atrox, meaning fierce or cruel, entering English via the adjective atrocious in the sixteenth century. Because of its strong negative connotations, it should be reserved for genuinely severe situations; using it casually can sound hyperbolic. It remains a vivid, forceful choice for expressing condemnation of cruelty or incompetence.
In an extremely cruel, brutal, or shocking manner.
"The captives were fed and housed atrociously throughout their imprisonment."
Most often used with verbs of treatment such as treat, behave, or act.
To a very poor standard; extremely badly.
"She played the piano atrociously, missing nearly every note."
Common in evaluations of skill, quality, or performance.
Informal intensifier meaning very or extremely.
"Tickets for the festival were atrociously priced this year."
Informal; more common in British than American English.
It comes from the Latin 'atrox', meaning 'fierce' or 'cruel' — so when something is done 'atrociously', it's literally done with savage cruelty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of atrociously
Atrociously comes from the adjective atrocious plus the adverbial suffix -ly. Atrocious derives from the Latin atrox (stem atroci-), meaning fierce, savage, or cruel, which entered English in the early modern period. Related forms include the noun atrocity and the plural atrocities, all sharing the same Latin root.
How atrociously is actually used
Carries strongly negative connotation in its literal senses. The intensifier use ('atrociously expensive') is informal but common in British English especially, and retains negative colouring even when describing neutral things like prices or weather.
Easily confused with atrociously
Ferociously means fiercely or savagely with intensity, while atrociously means shockingly badly or cruelly.
Precociously refers to unusually early development of ability, while atrociously refers to extreme badness; the words rhyme and are sometimes confused by ear.