Synonyms of poorly

poorly 1 of 2

adverb

ˈpu̇r-lē 

as in badly

in an unsatisfactory way

he tends to perform poorly on standardized tests

a poorly drawn figure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• badly
• bad
• horribly
• inadequately
• unsatisfactorily
• incorrectly
• terribly
• deficiently
• wretchedly
• unacceptably
• lousily
• awfully
• dreadfully
• abysmally
• atrociously
• disastrously
• horrendously
• deplorably
• horrifically
• inappropriately
• damnably
• grossly
• intolerably
• unbearably
• unsuitably
• miserably
• shoddily
• indecently
• vulgarly
• execrably
• egregiously
• insufficiently
• rottenly
• abominably
• shabbily
• flagrantly
• detestably
• vilely
• reprehensibly
• unspeakably
• naughtily
• meagerly
• scantily
• odiously
• inferiorly
• sparely
• skimpily
• sleazily
• trashily
• meanly
• stingily
• scantly

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• well
• adequately
• fine
• satisfactorily
• nicely
• good
• acceptably
• correctly
• appropriately
• all right
• tolerably
• decently
• so-so
• rightly
• suitably
• OK
• fittingly
• passably
• precisely
• seemly
• faithfully
• ideally
• respectably
• exactly
• palatably
• felicitously
• decorously
• congruously
• meetly
• satisfyingly
• gratifyingly

poorly

2 of 2

adjective

as in sick

temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body

she stayed home because she was feeling poorly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sick
• bad
• down
• ill
• unwell
• weak
• shaky
• unhealthy
• out of sorts
• unsound
• ailing
• under the weather
• dizzy
• indisposed
• peaky
• peaked
• sickened
• troubled
• punk
• fragile
• run-down
• weakly
• lousy
• symptomatic
• disabled
• cruddy
• feeble
• sickish
• disordered
• diseased
• nauseous
• seedy
• queasy
• squeamish
• frail
• sickly
• seasick
• afflicted
• woozy
• invalid
• decrepit
• nauseated
• debilitated
• achy
• feverish
• infirm
• incapacitated
• qualmish
• airsick
• carsick
• hypochondriacal
• hypochondriac
• light-headed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• well
• whole
• healthy
• sound
• wholesome
• healthful
• better
• conditioned
• hale
• fit
• cured
• able-bodied
• improved
• recovering
• strong
• tough
• robust
• hardy
• well-conditioned
• mending
• rugged
• hearty
• lusty
• stalwart
• thriving
• bouncing
• flourishing
• rehabilitated
• flush
• blooming
• chipper
• convalescing
• recuperating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of poorly

Adverb

These findings suggest that the problem is not simply one of excessive consumption, but of antibiotic use that is poorly aligned with clinical need. — Peter Beyer, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026

The authors are quick to note that this doesn't reflect poorly on the home environment. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

Adjective

For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025

This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible. — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025