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

"They had access to superior weapons and were well kitted out, whereas Indians were poorly equipped with semi-automatic rifles and a limited supply of 600 bullets for each soldier," he says.

From BBC

"There are games Tottenham have lost this season where they've played poorly and deserved to lose. Today was much better, but I don't know what solace that is for the Tottenham supporters at the moment."

From BBC

The vessels conceal their role in shipping oil by using deceptive tactics, such as switching off their radio signals to obscure their movements and transferring cargo to other vessels in poorly monitored waters.

From The Wall Street Journal

No reigning MLS Cup champion has fared so poorly.

From Los Angeles Times

"I'm really stunned that they've continued to play so poorly in that system."

From BBC

Related Words

• badly
• crudely
• inadequately
• insufficiently