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

Administrators acknowledged that the loan for a new dorm around that time had been poorly timed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

And because the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams means just 16 countries will be eliminated in the first round, even a poorly built American team should advance.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

She does not believe every cat should be harnessed trained: "I decided walking isn't good for Chikondi because of his poorly hips. I've got two older cats and it wouldn't be right for them either."

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Response ads the campaign did draft, the New York Times reported, tested poorly in focus groups and were never aired.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

If you’re poorly, you can go to Mrs. Woolmere’s.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

• badly
• crudely
• inadequately
• insufficiently