poorly — English Dictionary

Adverb

1. In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.

   Examples

   to live poorly

   He uses his employees poorly.

2. With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.

   Examples

   to do poorly in business

   More examples (1)

   “The Budget proposes eliminating Supporting Effective Instruction (SEI) State Grants (Title II State grants), a program that provides formula funds to States to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other schools leaders. SEI grants are poorly targeted and funds are spread too thinly to have a meaningful impact on student outcomes.

3. Meanly; without spirit.

   Examples

   Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.

4. Without skill or merit.

   Examples

   He plays tennis poorly.

5. In a negative manner; with disapproval; unfavorably.

   Examples

   I think poorly of them.

   She looked poorly on that suggestion.

Adjective

1. Ill, unwell, sick.

   Usage

   • UK usage

   Examples

   to report one's child poorly

   I got poorly when I went abroad and ate the local food.

   More examples (3)

   We talk about Kim, who is very poorly now. He can hardly see at all, and his legs are suppurating.

   A hospital was established very quickly – beds and clean sheets and skilled care – then by ambulance my cousin and I were taken to Celle and here hospital staff were wonderful. […] particular attention was given to my cousin who was poorlier than me […]

   "[…] they'd have the two poorly babies to care for as well."

Adjective

1. somewhat ill or prone to illness

   Synonyms

   ailingindisposedpeakedsicklyunwellunder the weatherseedy

   Examples

   my poor ailing grandmother

   feeling a bit indisposed today

   More examples (4)

   you look a little peaked

   feeling poorly

   a sickly child

   is unwell and can't come to work

Adverb

1. (‘ill’ is often used as a combining form) in a poor or improper or unsatisfactory manner; not well

   Synonyms

   illbadly

   Examples

   he was ill prepared

   it ill befits a man to betray old friends

   More examples (5)

   the car runs badly

   he performed badly on the exam

   the team played poorly

   ill-fitting clothes

   an ill-conceived plan