as in sick
temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body
she missed work because she was unwell
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of unwell
The Body Wasn’t Designed For Modern Life Many experts believe modern lifestyles may be contributing significantly to why so many people feel physically depleted, inflamed, tense, or chronically unwell.
—
Meggen Harris,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
To kill bacteria, use hot water for washing diapers and bed linens if someone is unwell.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Others become seriously unwell.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
The wife became unwell on the trip home and later died.
—
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unwell
Meggen Harris,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
To kill bacteria, use hot water for washing diapers and bed linens if someone is unwell.
—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Others become seriously unwell.
—
Matt Slater,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
The wife became unwell on the trip home and later died.
—
Los Angeles Times,
5 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for unwell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for unwell
Adjective
-
Having a sick pet is emotionally a lot to handle.
-
Preventing infestation Just because one calf is sick doesn’t mean the entire herd will get it, Cammack said.
Adjective
-
This fragmented model creates friction and quietly drains profitability through unbilled hours, margin erosion from poorly staffed projects and elevated turnover when top talent hits operational roadblocks.
-
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.
Adjective
-
Her grandfather was mentally ill, an alcoholic; her grandmother attempted suicide multiple times in a nearby river.
-
Some days are spent inside an Ebola Treatment Unit caring for patients who are frightened, isolated, and desperately ill.
Adjective
-
In two randomized trials conducted by Stanford economist Nick Bloom, for example, workers reported improved mental health, not worse.
-
Heavy rain was bad enough, but lightning in the area is, obviously, nothing to be trifled with.
Cite this Entry
“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/unwell. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
