What does "poorly" mean?

1. (badly or with low skill) to do something in a way that is not good or lacks skill. 2. (with disapproval) to think of someone or something in a negative way. 3. (unwell or sick) feeling sick or not very healthy.

How do you use "poorly"?

Usually follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'feel'.

poorly

adv. · adj.

US //ˈpuɹɫi// UK //pˈɔːli// poor·ly

1 badly or with low skill (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

to do something in a way that is not good or lacks skill.

in a manner that lacks skill, quality, or effectiveness.

Example

The house was poorly built and had many problems with the roof.

Example

The report was so poorly researched that the board of directors rejected the proposal without further discussion.
- badly
- inadequately
- unskilfully
- well
- skilfully
- effectively
2 with disapproval (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to think of someone or something in a negative way.

in a negative or unfavourable manner; used with verbs like 'think' or 'speak'.

Example

If you arrive late every day, your boss will think poorly of you.

Example

Critics spoke poorly of the director's latest film, citing a lack of character development and a predictable plot.
- unfavourably
- negatively
- highly
- favourably

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3 unwell or sick (adj.)
B1 Intermediate British English

feeling sick or not very healthy.

unwell, sick, or in poor health; typically used as a predicative adjective.

Example

My grandmother has been a bit poorly lately, so she is staying in bed.

Example

The doctor advised him to stay home for a few days as he was still looking rather poorly after the flu.

Usage

Usually follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'feel'.

Teacher's tip

This is very common in British English but sounds quite formal or old-fashioned to American speakers.
- well
- healthy

Etymology 1

From Middle English poorly, pouerly, poreliche, poureliche, pouerliche, equivalent to poor + -ly.

Etymology 2

From poor + -ly.

Word family

Adjectivepoor
Adverbpoorly