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.
Medical Guidance on Flying With Illnesses For those who feel unwell but must travel, experts suggest taking precautions to reduce the risk of spreading illness. David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 For every case such as Tomasini’s, there are several more in which people who advocates believe pose no threat to the public are unwell and kept behind bars, said Su Kim, senior policy manager for Uncommon Law, an organization that supports prisoners and sponsored AB 960. Mackenzie Mays, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025 On Sunday afternoon, Assad complained to his security about feeling unwell, having trouble breathing, and asked for medical help. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025 Her actions — which have been linked to her alarmist obsession with the eclipse — raise a question: How could someone so trusted, respected and concerned for the spiritual well-being of others have been so unwell herself? Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unwell

Cite this Entry

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwell. Accessed 23 Jan. 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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