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

Poorly performing funds are most likely to get the chop.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Poorly designed flight control software was blamed for the crashes.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Poorly made ones can also leak the chemical gradually.

From BBC • Aug. 31, 2025

Poorly managed HCM may lead to many complications including SCD.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2024

Poorly dressed and malnourished, they faced lethal diseases like dysentery, smallpox, and typhus—epidemics typical in army camps where basic sanitation was poor and drinking water carried deadly germs.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis

Related Words

• badly
• crudely
• inadequately
• insufficiently