poorly 1 of 2

adverb

ˈpu̇r-lē How to pronounce poorly (audio)
Definition of poorlynext
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
Williams and Sproat still possess upside, so time will tell just how poorly this trade ages for the Mets. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026 However, his recent brief return to the Braves organization last season ended poorly, with him being called up for just one game before being designated for assignment. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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
  1. badly
  2. sick
  3. bad
  4. down
  5. horribly
  6. ill
Adverb
  • Loop’s status has been a hot-button issue around the team after his badly missed 44-yard field goal in Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season kept the Ravens out of the playoffs and accelerated the end of the John Harbaugh era.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Barely a week goes by without another story about rogue agents or models behaving badly.
    — Don Schuerman, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of badly
Adjective
  • Some recalls, Eskin said, are made after companies’ routine testing catches a pathogen before anyone gets sick, while others involve outbreaks that are already underway and vary widely in size and severity.
    — Dian Zhang, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sanchez also ordered a meal from Taco Bell, but didn’t get sick.
    — Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of sick
Adverb
  • Another would be to coat your thumbs with a bad-tasting substance.
    — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
  • Of course, Hole himself isn’t averse to breaking bad, either.
    — Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of bad
Adjective
  • The bedspread gives you all of the fluffy loft without risking overheating, thanks to its breathable down-alternative fill and box-stitch design that keeps it evenly distributed.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Atwell is a hometown hero from his high school days as a quarterback for Miami Northwestern High, leading the storied football program back to a state championship as a senior after a down stretch of seasons.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of down
Adverb
  • When their plan goes horribly awry, the couple is parted once again.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • There are six other teams vying with the Jays for that spot, and even the 60-68 and horribly playing Mariners are within three games.
    — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of horribly
Adjective
  • Still, the emotionally stunted John claims not to harbor ill feelings toward Hal, though this is most certainly challenged by the end of the episode.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
  • If she is deemed no longer mentally ill and not a danger to the community, she could be released following a hearing.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ill

Browse Nearby Words

poorish
poorly
poor-mouth
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Cite this Entry

“Poorly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poorly. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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