criminally

Everyday

1. Criminally means in a way that breaks the law and is a crime. tree →
2. (informal) Criminally means shockingly or very badly, as if it should be a crime: «criminally underrated». tree →

In the lessons

In news and law: «criminally responsible», «charged criminally». In everyday talk, it is used jokingly: «That band is criminally underrated». Phrases: «criminally responsible», «criminally negligent», «criminally underrated».

Examples

• He was found criminally responsible for the damage. tree →
• The company acted criminally when it dumped waste in the river. tree →
• That film is criminally underrated (informal). tree →
• The owner was criminally careless with the fire exits. tree →
• In some countries, children under a certain age are not criminally responsible. tree →
• It's criminally unfair that we have homework on holiday! (joking) tree →

Note

Adjective: «criminal»; noun: «crime», «criminal». The informal meaning is exaggeration (hyperbole), not a real crime.