poorly

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈpʊəli/, /ˈpɔːli/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈpʊɹli/, /ˈpɔɹli/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʊə(ɹ)li, -ɔː(ɹ)li

Etymology 1

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

Adverb

poorly (comparative more poorly or (rare) poorlier, superlative most poorly or (rare) poorliest)

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

   to live poorly

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

   to do poorly in business

3. Meanly; without spirit.
   • 1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of Wonders, 1666. […], London: […] Henry Herringman, […], →OCLC, (please specify the stanza number):

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

4. Without skill or merit.

   He plays tennis poorly.

5. In a negative manner; with disapproval.

   I think poorly of them.

   She looked poorly on that suggestion.

Collocations

Verbs to which "poorly" is often applied as an adverb to suggest insufficiency or inadequacy

• poorly planned
• poorly conceived
• poorly executed
• poorly implemented
• performing poorly
• poorly managed
• poorly controlled
• poorly designed
• poorly represented
• poorly differentiated
• poorly suited
• poorly built
• poorly dressed
• poorly soluble
• poorly ventilated
• poorly known
• poorly paid
• poorly used

Translations

without plenty

• Finnish: köyhänä, köyhästi
• Polish: biednie (pl)

Etymology 2

From poor +‎ -ly.

Adjective

poorly (comparative poorlier or more poorly, superlative poorliest or most poorly)

1. (UK) Ill, unwell, sick.

   to report one's child poorly

   • 2008, Carla van Raay, “The Passing of a Friend”, in The Price of Passion, London: Ebury Press, →ISBN, page 241:

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

   • 2011, Peter Liddle, quoting Manya Stern, “Manya Stern – A Polish Jewess, Life under German Occupation, Forced Labour in Germany, and Survivor of Bergen-Belsen”, in Captured Memories 1930–1945: Across the Threshold of War: The Thirties and the War, Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Pen & Sword Military, →ISBN, section two (1939–1945), subsection “On the Home Front”, page 334:

     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 […]

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:diseased

Translations

ill — see ill

Anagrams

• pyloro-