Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

poorly

[ poor-lee ]

adverb

  1. in a poor manner or way:

    The team played poorly.



adjective

  1. in poor health; somewhat ill:

    I hear she's been poorly.

poorly

/ ˈpɔː-; ˈpʊəlɪ /

adverb

  1. in a poor way or manner; badly
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. informal.
    usually postpositive in poor health; rather ill

    she's poorly today

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of poorly1

First recorded in 1250–1300, poorly is from the Middle English word pourely. See poor, -ly
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Ms Harrison said although Leah had recently been poorly with tonsillitis she was looking forward to the trip to the adventure centre.

From

Fred Thomas, MP for Plymouth Moor View, said on Wednesday residents were "furious" and could not understand why SWW had communicated "so poorly".

From

Clearly, India's road design standards are solid on paper - but poorly enforced on the ground.

From

“Severe” shaking — enough to topple chimneys and greatly damage poorly built buildings — may be felt a bit farther away from the ruptured fault, including in downtown L.A.,

From

The poorly received comic book caper was to be his final screen appearance.

From

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


poor lawpoor man's orange