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  

/ ˈpʊəlɪ, ˈpɔː- /

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

See Examples For:

poorly

Critics say it is poorly targeted with limited evidence that it was necessary.

From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026

This is a slightly different frontier, where big claims are tied to newly public companies that could cause immediate havoc if they do poorly.

From Slate ● Sep. 1, 2026

These nanocarriers are designed to carry high amounts of poorly soluble therapeutic compounds, which are otherwise difficult to deliver in an aqueous environment.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 31, 2026

“The worst states all scored poorly because they’re not affordable, there’s high taxes and they’re not big on activities. There’s also more crime and healthcare was seen as expensive and less accessible,” Lupo said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 31, 2026

I slept poorly that night in fear of the morning.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly

Related Words

• badly
• crudely
• inadequately
• insufficiently