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.
If they are deemed mentally unwell, the court will assign the least restrictive setting for treatment, per Nebraska law. Selina Guevara, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026 Prominent conservative pundits − from former Fox News hosts Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and podcaster Candace Owens − are suggesting the president is unwell. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026 And that man is clearly unwell. Diaa Hadid, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026 Is there genuinely no limit to what Republicans will allow this unhinged, unwell man to do? Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 7 Apr. 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 22 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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