unwell

adjective

un·​well ˌən-ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
1
: being in poor health : ailing, sick
2
: undergoing menstruation

Examples of unwell in a Sentence

Miss Bennett, are you unwell? I am sorry she is feeling unwell.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Getting such little sleep and feeling chronically unwell affects not only your work and your social life, but your personal life too. Sarah Lepsy, Flow Space, 23 July 2025 Kwok, who was said to be mentally unwell, went on a walk, leaving her home around 3 a.m. which was a normal routine for her, Kwok’s brother said. Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025 When Steve Jobs appeared visibly unwell at public events, Apple shares dipped. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025 The two incidents are not the first instances of spectators being taken unwell in the stands at this year’s Wimbledon championships. Leon Imber, New York Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for unwell

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwell was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwell. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

unwell

adjective
un·​well ˌən-ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
ˈən-
: being in poor health : ailing, sick

Medical Definition

unwell

adjective
un·​well -ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
: being in poor health : sick

More from Merriam-Webster on unwell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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