poorly
English
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈpʊəli/, /ˈpɔːli/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈpʊɹli/, /ˈpɔɹli/
Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -ʊə(ɹ)li, -ɔː(ɹ)li
Etymology 1
From Middle English poorly, pouerly, poreliche, poureliche, pouerliche, equivalent to poor + -ly.
Adverb
poorly (comparative poorlier or more poorly, superlative poorliest or most poorly)
- In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.
- to live poorly
- With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.
- to do poorly in business
- Meanly; without spirit.
- 1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of Wonders, 1666. […], London: […] Henry Herringman, […], →OCLC, (please specify the stanza number):
- Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.
- Without skill or merit.
- He plays tennis poorly.
- In a negative manner; with disapproval.
- I think poorly of them.
- She looked poorly on that suggestion.
Collocations
Verbs to which "poorly" is often applied as an adverb to suggest insufficiency or inadequacy
- poorly planned
- poorly conceived
- poorly executed
- poorly implemented
- performing poorly
- poorly managed
- poorly controlled
- poorly designed
- poorly represented
- poorly differentiated
- poorly suited
- poorly built
- poorly dressed
- poorly soluble
- poorly ventilated
- poorly known
- poorly paid
- poorly used
Adjective
poorly (not comparable)
- (UK) Ill, unwell, sick.
- to report one's child poorly
- 2011, Peter Liddle, quoting Manya Stern, “Manya Stern – A Polish Jewess, Life under German Occupation, Forced Labour in Germany, and Survivor of Bergen-Belsen”, in Captured Memories 1930–1945: Across the Threshold of War: The Thirties and the War, Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Pen & Sword Military, →ISBN, section two (1939–1945), subsection “On the Home Front”, page 334:
- A hospital was established very quickly – beds and clean sheets and skilled care – then by ambulance my cousin and I were taken to Celle and here hospital staff were wonderful. […] particular attention was given to my cousin who was poorlier than me […]
Synonyms
- See also Thesaurus:diseased
Translations
ill — see ill
Anagrams
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