poorly

1 of 2

adverb

poor·​ly ˈpu̇r-lē 

ˈpȯr-

: in a poor condition or manner

especially : in an inferior or imperfect way : badly

sang poorly

poorly

2 of 2

adjective

British, informal

: somewhat ill : indisposed

feeling poorly

Synonyms of poorly

Adverb

• badly
• bad
• horribly

Adjective

• sick
• bad
• down
• ill

Examples of poorly in a Sentence

Adverb

he tends to perform poorly on standardized tests

Adjective

she stayed home because she was feeling poorly

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Although the town remains staunchly conservative, there are rumblings of displeasure with Netanyahu’s handling of the latest war against the militant group Hezbollah, and that could bode poorly for him in Israel’s election Tuesday. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Despite the positive results, investors reacted poorly when the findings were leaked on Thursday, causing Moderna’s stock price to fall. — David Cox, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026

Adjective

For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025

This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible. — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1570, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing poorly

• poorly kept secret
• speak well/poorly for

Kids Definition

poorly

adjective

poor·​ly

ˈpu̇(ə)r-lē, 

ˈpō(ə)r-

: somewhat ill