terminally
UK: ˈtɜːmɪnəli | US: ˈtɜːrmɪnəli
adv. in a manner relating to the end of life or a final stage
adv. in a way that is incurably fatal (e.g., a disease)
adv. extremely or to an utmost degree (colloquial)
The word "terminally" derives from the Latin terminus (boundary, end), via the adjective terminalis (pertaining to an end). The root terminal entered English in the 15th century, initially describing physical endpoints (e.g., train terminals). By the 19th century, it gained medical usage ("terminal illness"). The suffix -ly (Old English -līce) converts adjectives into adverbs, emphasizing the irreversible or extreme nature of the condition (e.g., "terminally ill"). The colloquial sense ("terminally bored") emerged in the 20th century as hyperbolic metaphor.
The patient was diagnosed as terminally ill.
The project was terminally delayed due to funding issues.
She felt terminally exhausted after the marathon.
The old computer was terminally slow.
His enthusiasm for the job was terminally declining.