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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:

They say better screening could be "life-saving" as medication for depression can often make people with bipolar more unwell.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Filmmaker and professor Roland Palencia confirmed the actor’s death on social media, writing that Kearns had died Monday evening after feeling unwell and calling the paramedics on Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

The health minister urged the public to seek care if unwell, and report anyone showing symptoms.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

But the triathlete said swimming in "dirty" open-water made him very unwell ahead of the event after he contracted Campylobacter, external — an infection caused by bacteria.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

At lunchtime, Mr Trilby, the Deputy Head, telephoned her house to enquire if she was feeling unwell.

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

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