as in badly
in an unsatisfactory way
he tends to perform poorly on standardized tests a poorly drawn figure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sick
temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body
she stayed home because she was feeling poorly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Examples Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of poorly
Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
That could bode poorly for beneficiaries such as HCA Holdings and Centene and put subsidies at a higher chance of expiration, according to Barclays analyst Andrew Mok.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024
Story will be a free agent and at this stage why would an accomplished player stay with the poorly run Rockies?
—BostonGlobe.com, 27 Mar. 2021
See all Example Sentences for poorly 
Adverb
But that approach faces sharp limitations, especially when the systems to be analyzed are profoundly complex and poorly understood.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
That could bode poorly for beneficiaries such as HCA Holdings and Centene and put subsidies at a higher chance of expiration, according to Barclays analyst Andrew Mok.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Both the United States and the United Nations have stepped back from leadership roles, a reflection of how poorly interventions in Haiti have gone and also the wide range of issues in other parts of the world at the moment.
—Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024
Story will be a free agent and at this stage why would an accomplished player stay with the poorly run Rockies?
—BostonGlobe.com, 27 Mar. 2021
See all Example Sentences for poorly
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poorly
Adverb
-
In September, Hurricane Helene caused devastation in the southeastern U.S., with Georgia and Florida particularly badly hit.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2024
-
Sources told the outlet the rocker’s body was badly decomposed by the time it was finally found on Tuesday.Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
The vaccine doesn’t prevent 100% of infections, but those who are vaccinated and still get sick typically have milder illness, according to the CDC.Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
-
Vaccines can also help prevent getting sick with pertussis in the first place.Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 21 Nov. 2024
Adverb
-
Remember, too much of a good thing can turn bad quickly!Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
-
That started off bad and got better.Vulture, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2023
Adjective
-
Crowds gathered to watch and celebrate as workers cut the down the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts on Thursday.Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2024
-
Those percentages waned with each down ballot and amendment issue.Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
-
At least 15 people became ill between November 2 and November 10.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024
-
Jamie Lee Curtis shines as the harried, mentally ill mom of the Berzatto family, preparing Christmas dinner.Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 27 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near poorly
Cite this Entry
“Poorly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poorly. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share