WordGarden.iospectacularly
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /spɛktˈækjʊləli/
US
- /spɛkˈtækjələrli/
Meanings
Adverb
to a strikingly large or extreme degree
in a strikingly impressive, eye-catching, or dramatic way
Beyond the definition
To do something spectacularly means to do it in a way that is very impressive, noticeable, and often dramatic. Think of fireworks bursting spectacularly across the night sky: they are not just bright, they pull everyone's attention.
It often suggests that something goes far beyond the ordinary. A singer might perform spectacularly, or a team might win spectacularly. But it is not always positive. Someone can also fail spectacularly, meaning the failure is big, obvious, and hard to forget. It is more than just doing something "well" or "badly"; it is about having a strong effect on the people watching or hearing about it.
"Spectacularly" is an adverb derived from the word "spectacle," which originally referred to a grand public display—think Roman gladiatorial contests or elaborate parades. Over time, "spectacle" came to mean anything visually impressive and dramatic, and "spectacularly" evolved to describe how something is done.
To do something spectacularly means to do it in a way that stands out strongly. Often, it suggests success that is exciting, beautiful, or unusually impressive. A dancer might perform spectacularly, holding the audience's attention with skill and grace. A company could launch a new product spectacularly, creating a lot of excitement and public interest.
However, "spectacularly" is not always positive. You can fail spectacularly, which means the failure is dramatic, obvious, and memorable. A plan might fall apart spectacularly, or a public mistake might spread spectacularly because everyone notices it. The main idea is that the result, whether good or bad, is remarkable in its scale, force, or visual effect.
Think of it this way: something done "well" is competent; something done "spectacularly" is unforgettable. It's about exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting impression. So next time you witness something truly amazing—or disastrous—remember that it might just be happening spectacularly!
Examples
- 1
Fireworks
The fireworks ended spectacularly over the river.
- 2
Show opening
The show was advertised heavily, and it opened spectacularly well.
- 3
Business success
What started as a side project became a spectacularly successful business.
- 4
Obvious failure
Her attempt to keep the secret from her parents failed spectacularly.
- Phrasefail spectacularly
fail very badly, often in an obvious way
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Wrong prediction
He was spectacularly wrong about how long the repairs would take.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- unimpressively
- ordinarily
Used with (collocations)
- spectacularly successful
- fail spectacularly
- spectacularly beautiful
- spectacularly wrong
Word family
Explore
- dramatic emphasis
- visual grandeur
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- spectacularlyadverb