What does signally mean?
Signally is an adverb meaning in a clearly noticeable, marked, or significant way. It is especially useful when describing a failure, omission, or departure from expectations: a committee can 'signally fail' to act, or a document can 'signally lack' a particular section. The word carries a critical or emphatic tone rather than merely identifying something noteworthy. Although it is used in both British and American English, it is particularly associated with formal British writing and speech. Compared with 'notably', signally often highlights a disappointing or conspicuous contrast, such as an obvious duty that was ignored. It is therefore well suited to editorial, political, academic, and analytical contexts where the significance of an omission or failure needs emphasis. In less formal writing, 'clearly', 'markedly', or 'conspicuously' may sometimes be more natural, depending on the intended tone.
adverbIn a way that is clearly noticeable or significant, especially when emphasizing a failure, lack, or departure from what was expected.
- In a way that is clearly noticeable, significant, or conspicuous, often with the implication that something has conspicuously failed to meet expectations.
"The committee signally failed to address the concerns raised by local residents."
"The new policy signally ignored the needs of rural communities."
"Her absence from the final meeting was signally conspicuous."
"The organization has signally failed to reduce its carbon emissions."
Use signally when a failure is so striking that people cannot avoid noticing it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does signally come from?
Signally is formed from the adjective signal, meaning conspicuous or notable, with the adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective signal comes through French from the Latin signum, meaning a sign or mark, and is related to English words such as signify and signature. In its current usage, signally developed a somewhat emphatic meaning, often focusing on an obvious failure or omission rather than on a neutral notable feature.
How signally is actually used
Signally is formal and is especially common in British English. It often describes a conspicuous failure, omission, or contrast, and it may sound stronger or more pointed than a neutral statement such as 'clearly' or 'notably'.
Easily confused with signally
A signal is a sign, gesture, or indication that conveys information, whereas signally is an adverb describing a way in which something is done or fails to happen.