unwell

adjective

un·​well ˌən-ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
1
: being in poor health : ailing, sick
2
: 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.
Friday’s Wimbledon semifinal between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz saw two stoppages in the eighth game of the second set, due to spectators feeling unwell on Centre Court. Leon Imber, New York Times, 11 July 2025 The temperature hit 88 degrees Fahrenheit in the first set, which was delayed twice because spectators in the lower level — with no shade — felt unwell. Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025 Other symptoms can include fever, headache and generally feeling unwell, followed by a rash, cough, red eyes or congestion. Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 Consumers feeling unwell should seek immediate medical attention. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 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 24 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!