unwell

adjective

un·​well ˌən-ˈwel 

1

: being in poor health : ailing, sick

2

euphemistic + somewhat old-fashioned : undergoing menstruation

Synonyms of unwell

• sick
• poorly
• ill
• bad

Examples of unwell in a Sentence

Miss Bennett, are you unwell?

I am sorry she is feeling unwell.

Recent Examples on the Web

The wife became unwell on the trip home and later died. — Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2026

To kill bacteria, use hot water for washing diapers and bed linens if someone is unwell. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 May 2026

Water was limited, there was no air conditioning, and some guests appeared unwell. — ABC News, 26 June 2026

Lionel Richie was forced to abandon the first night of his new tour after feeling unwell during a performance in Minnesota. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unwell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

unwell

adjective

un·​well ˌən-ˈwel 

ˈən-

: being in poor health : ailing, sick

Medical Definition

unwell

adjective

un·​well -ˈwel 

: being in poor health : sick