poorly
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for poorly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — In a way that lacks skill, quality, or success.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adv
In a way that lacks skill, quality, or success.
“He did poorly in the interview and was not offered the job.”
Opposites
How to use poorly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
perform poorly
feel poorly
Etymology
From Middle English poorly, formed from poor + -ly.
Full origin of poorly →Frequently asked questions
What does “poorly” mean?
The word “poorly” means in a way that lacks skill, quality, or success. In plain terms, badly done, or (in British English) feeling ill.
How do you pronounce “poorly”?
“Poorly” is pronounced POOR-lee (/ˈpʊɹ.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “poorly” in a sentence?
Here is “poorly” used in a sentence: “The team played poorly in the second half.”
What part of speech is “poorly”?
Depending on how it is used, “poorly” can be an adverb and an adjective.
Where does the word “poorly” come from?
The word “poorly” comes from Middle English. From Middle English poorly, formed from poor + -ly.
Is “poorly” a common word?
“Poorly” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “poorly” have?
“Poorly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a way that lacks skill, quality, or success.
What is the difference between poorly and badly?
As adverbs, poorly and badly both describe something done without skill, quality, or success and are often interchangeable. Badly is the more common everyday choice, while poorly can sound slightly more formal or measured.
Does poorly mean sick or unwell?
Yes, but chiefly in British English. There, poorly is used as an adjective meaning feeling unwell or sick, as in "she's been poorly all week." This sense is much less common in American English.
Can poorly be used as an adjective?
Yes. Besides working as an adverb meaning "badly," poorly serves as an adjective meaning unwell or ill, especially in British usage. Context makes clear which sense is intended.
