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.
The state of the nation is unwell. James Folta, Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026 There was no suggestion that the woman, who had been working at a tourist accommodation on the island for about six weeks, was unwell at the time of her death, Algie said. Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 20 Jan. 2026 At the White House, the unwell billionaire rambles, spews insults at those who refuse to kowtow and dozes off in meetings. Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026 Wendy Garrick is wealthy but unwell, and her husband Douglas is a walking red flag with his cold, controlling behavior. Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwell. Accessed 11 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unwell

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