Advertisement

View synonyms for poorly

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 are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

However, because the drug does not easily pass through the outer layer of skin and dissolves poorly in water, its full potential is often not realized.

Read more on Science Daily

But Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, described the cuts as "brutal", adding that staff had become "demoralised, exhausted and furious" and that "undervalued and poorly served" students were feeling the impact too.

Read more on BBC

Even this data can be inflated when sponsors or investors don’t include poorly performing funds.

Some industry players worry that poorly conceived IPOs could send mortgage rates up, which Bessent has stressed needs to be avoided.

Massive leveraged buyouts all but disappeared after a number of them performed poorly in the wake of the 2008-09 financial crisis.

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


poor lawpoor man's orange