POORLY Synonyms: 169 Similar and Opposite Words

poorly 1 of 2

adverb

ˈpu̇r-lē

Definition of poorly

as in badly

in an unsatisfactory way he tends to perform poorly on standardized tests a poorly drawn figure

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

poorly

2 of 2

adjective

as in sick

temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body she stayed home because she was feeling poorly

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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 poorly

Adverb

The researchers wrote that his unpopularity is part of the reason Republicans are doing poorly up and down the ticket. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 While the sector is poorly regulated and masked in secrecy and corruption, it is mainly dominated by Jean-Charles Moïse, the former senator form the North region and the head of the Pitit Dessalines political party. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 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 See All Example Sentences for poorly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poorly

Adverb

The Anthropic report is the latest warning issued by the company concerning rogue AI agents operating on their own and sometimes behaving badly.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
Although the house is still standing, the interior was left so badly damaged that the family can no longer live there.

— Joan Murray, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of badly

Adjective

The goats’ dire situation first came to light when a former dairy employee raised concerns after witnessing emaciated and sick animals on the property, the former employee told the Idaho Statesman last year.

— Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 16 Oct. 2026
What’s interesting is that Conan Doyle got sick of writing Sherlock Holmes.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of sick

Adjective

Consequently, even if a down cycle occurs, it is not expected to show the same sharp decline seen in the past.

— Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Among the 138 teams in FBS, TCU’s offense ranks 93rd in third down conversions, 110th in rushing, and tied for 103rd in first downs.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of down

Adverb

Nature created measles, modern science found the vaccine to stop it cold and end it forever and now horribly, Bobby Kennedy has brought it roaring back.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026
One night, Cathy (Pugh) arrives at their doorstep, horribly beaten and seemingly unable to remember her past.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of horribly

Adjective

His latest feature film — the American’s first in 14 years — stars Pascal as Alex Serian, a gifted cellist who returns to Los Angeles after 20 years away to care for his ill mother.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Show reps did not specify who was ill or the nature of the illness.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of ill

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poorish

poorly

poor-mouth

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“Poorly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poorly. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of poorly

adverb

adjective

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