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.
However, if the kittens are in danger or appear unwell, contacting a local animal welfare organization is recommended. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 Pettit looked a bit unwell in a NASA broadcast as recovery team members hauled him out of the Soyuz. Mike Wall, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2025 However, a recent study led by the Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust has examined the cases of 21 children from across the UK and Ireland who, between 2009 and 2024, became seriously unwell soon after drinking sugar-free slushies containing glycerol. New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2025 His girlfriend, former model Chloe (Charlotte Le Bon), shares Gary's version of his previous wife's death – the mentally unwell woman died after wandering into the sea. Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 9 Mar. 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 29 May. 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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