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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 occasion was followed by tragedy, as Godbole reportedly began to feel unwell shortly after his wedding. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 The British Army has stopped using its Ajax armored fighting vehicle after soldiers became unwell from vibrations and noise. Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 Employees reported feeling unwell after possible carbon monoxide exposure at the Savage Branch Library in Howard County, according to a post from the official Twitter page for the Executive Branch of Howard County Government. Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025 Elvis appears bloated and unwell. John Beifuss, USA Today, 10 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwell. Accessed 8 Dec. 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
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