adv

poorly

POOR-lee

adv

In a way that lacks skill, quality, or success.

"The team played poorly in the second half."

adj

Feeling unwell or sick (chiefly British).

"She stayed home from school because she felt poorly."

How to Use Poorly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBadly done, or (in British English) feeling ill.

UK vs US

The "feeling ill" sense of poorly is mainly British; American English would say "sick" instead.

Common pairings

perform poorly feel poorly

Word Forms

more poorly comparative, poorlier comparative, poorlier comparative, more poorly comparative, most poorly superlative, poorliest superlative, poorliest superlative, most poorly superlative

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The team played _____ in the second half.

Etymology

From Middle English poorly, formed from poor + -ly.

Rhymes for poorly

Orly majorly

See all rhymes for poorly →