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Synonyms

unwell

American  
[uhn-wel] / ʌnˈwɛl /

adjective

  1. not well; ailing; ill.

  2. Older Use. menstruating.


unwell British  
/ ʌnˈwɛl /

adjective

  1. (postpositive) not well; ill

"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

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of unwell

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at un- 1, well 1

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.

See Examples For:

Axios reported that Graham told an associate that he was feeling unwell shortly before his death.

From Salon Jul. 14, 2026

Why do we think McConnell might be really unwell?

From Slate Jul. 2, 2026

"Maddy did not want the specific diagnosis to be on the note so it said 'generally unwell'."

From BBC Jun. 29, 2026

The “Stand by Me” star, 54, started feeling unwell on his flight from Chicago to Los Angeles and was met by medical professionals at his gate.

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 16, 2026

His father was getting old and his mother had been unwell for months, with fever that came and went.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry

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