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

As Florio weighed in on Aikman’s dual roles as a commentator and a consultant for the Miami Dolphins when Holley began looking unwell and started to sway in the moments leading up to him losing consciousness. — Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt pulled out of the race shortly before the stage after feeling unwell. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026

After determining Descamps was too unwell to spend the night in jail, police officers challenged the hospital's decision to discharge him. — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026

Four remaining lions are recovering, but three others are still unwell and undergoing treatment, the zoo said. — Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 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