poorly Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite somewhat ill or prone to illness
    peaked; indisposed; unwell; sickly; under the weather; ailing; seedy.
    • my poor ailing grandmother
    • feeling a bit indisposed today
    • you look a little peaked
    • feeling poorly
    • a sickly child
    • is unwell and can't come to work
  2. adverb (`ill' is often used as a combining form) in a poor or improper or unsatisfactory manner; not well
    badly; ill.
    • he was ill prepared
    • it ill befits a man to betray old friends
    • the car runs badly
    • he performed badly on the exam
    • the team played poorly
    • ill-fitting clothes
    • an ill-conceived plan

WordNet


Poor"ly adverb
Definitions
  1. In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort; as, to live poorly.
  2. With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage; as, to do poorly in business.
  3. Meanly; without spirit.
    Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, That from his wars they poorly would retire. Dryden.
  4. Without skill or merit; as, he performs poorly.
Poor"ly adjective
Definitions
  1. Somewhat ill; indisposed; not in health. "Having been poorly in health." T. Scott.

Webster 1913