unwell

adjective

un·​well ˌən-ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
Synonyms of unwellnext
1
: being in poor health : ailing, sick
2
euphemistic + somewhat old-fashioned : undergoing menstruation

Examples of unwell in a Sentence

Miss Bennett, are you unwell? I am sorry she is feeling unwell.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jane is a deeply unwell woman, enthralled by the lavish lives of the wealthy and consumed by the idealistic fairy tales of her childhood. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 While there is nothing to suggest Netanyahu is currently unwell, his health has also loomed over Israeli politics before, with his emergency heart surgery to fit a pacemaker in 2023, as well as a prostate removal surgery in 2024. Angela Yang, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026 Carb restriction can also affect hormones, digestion, electrolyte balance, and the brain’s neurotransmitters, all of which can contribute to feeling unwell physically and mentally. Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 16 Mar. 2026 Feeling unwell and still adjusting to the weekly grind of the ATP Tour, the Irvine native exited in the first round and quickly scratched it from his mind. Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwell

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwell was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwell. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

unwell

adjective
un·​well ˌən-ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
ˈən-
: being in poor health : ailing, sick

Medical Definition

unwell

adjective
un·​well -ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
: being in poor health : sick

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