as in badly
in an unsatisfactory way
he tends to perform poorly on standardized tests a poorly drawn figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sick
temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body
she stayed home because she was feeling poorly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of poorly
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
But, at large scales, laborers (who themselves are often poorly treated) are often paid by volume and are likely to work as quickly as possible which leads to mistreatment.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
The researchers and their partners are also working to track local residents’ health and to measure how well or poorly interventions like masks and household air filters protected them.
—Maggie Astor, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poorly
Adverb
Both thatch and compaction limit moisture, nutrients, and oxygen from making their way into the root zone, causing the turf to grow poorly.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025
But, at large scales, laborers (who themselves are often poorly treated) are often paid by volume and are likely to work as quickly as possible which leads to mistreatment.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible.
—Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
The researchers and their partners are also working to track local residents’ health and to measure how well or poorly interventions like masks and household air filters protected them.
—Maggie Astor, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poorly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poorly
Adverb
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The €286m spent on players since 2022 has largely been spent badly and on other coaches.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Of course, the behavior didn't seem to hurt of of their careers too badly.—
Gillian Telling,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Star began writing about the concerns at Warren Hills in March, detailing how for years that teachers, staff and parents have been worried that something at the school may be making teachers and staff sick.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
23 Oct. 2025
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Although Hahne's daughter lived close enough to remain at home, Hahne made connections with families staying in the Ronald McDonald House while their sick children received care from Children's Hospital.—
Angelika Ytuarte,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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Remember, too much of a good thing can turn bad quickly!—
Amber Smith,
Discover Magazine,
3 Apr. 2024
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That started off bad and got better.—
Vulture,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2023
Adjective
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Snag it with a down or polyester fill, which is suitable for those with allergies.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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Coming off a down season, Scherzer could find some more success after getting into the Brewers organization.—
Aaliyan Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Adverb
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What has become horribly and painfully obvious post-strike is that as the challenges facing our business have risen, the press and the chatter has gotten way more negative.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Oct. 2025
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George has been in solitary confinement for long stretches of time and, by all accounts, has been horribly mistreated.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Her history underscores the need for state law and how the criminal justice system interacts with those mentally ill to be reviewed, advocates told the Journal Sentinel.—
David Clarey,
jsonline.com,
27 Oct. 2025
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Guests report nurses walking through the halls pushing wheelchairs, dark figures, cold spots, smells like cherry tobacco without a source, flickering lights and visitors feeling ill in certain areas of the hotel such as the old hospital wings and the morgue (now the site of the spa).—
Noreen Kompanik,
Boston Herald,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poorly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poorly. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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