poorly

American  

[poor-lee] / ˈpʊər li /

adverb

1. in a poor manner or way.

   The team played poorly.

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adjective

1. in poor health; somewhat ill.

   I hear she's been poorly.

poorly British  

/ ˈpɔː-, ˈpʊəlɪ /

adverb

1. in a poor way or manner; badly

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adjective

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

   she's poorly today

Etymology

Origin of poorly

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

Example Sentences

Even though scientists have studied the phenomenon for decades, many of its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.

From Science Daily • May 29, 2026

Mr. Vance had a point—the pontiff’s remarks about the war sounded poorly thought through—but the two disciplines don’t separate so easily.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Zscaler tumbled 32% on Wednesday after a poorly received earnings report.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

According to after-school association SOS-Périscolaire, the main problem has been the low quality of animateurs, who are poorly paid and at most need only a basic certificate in child management to get a job.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

I looked at the young man, a boy, really, younger than me, and of a far lower rank than the soldier I was so poorly impersonating.

From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• badly
• crudely
• inadequately
• insufficiently