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

The suggestion that Pebley’s removal was a sign that the team is performing poorly didn’t sit well with coach Lynne Roberts. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

The opposite is true in communities that score poorly, Volpe said. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 14 July 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