Feel poorly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Feel poorly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone is not feeling well or is experiencing discomfort, often in a physical or emotional sense. Example: "After catching a cold, I really started to feel poorly and had to take a few days off work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

These will make you feel poorly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their uprising gathered support from Ivoirians in the north, who feel poorly treated by the southern-based government.

The New York Times

Coaches can also feel poorly equipped to adapt sports for disabled athletes and ensure safe conditions for all athletes.

The New York Times - Sports

The implicit idea here is that when businesspeople feel poorly treated they'll just take their ball and go home, even if that means giving up chances for profit.

The New Yorker

The writer can never remember his sister's sweater size & this sort of thing makes him feel poorly at Christmastime when he starts shopping.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, December 25 , 1954P. 19 The writer can never remember his sister's sweater size & this sort of thing makes him feel poorly at Christmastime when he starts shopping.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

— Feeling poorly?

The New Yorker

While ambitious, Missing often feels poorly planned.

The New York Times - Tech

Most felt poorly prepared to care for terminally ill patients.

Stanford University

Similarly, capitals often felt poorly informed about developments of interest to them.

Britannica

An early priority was to mend fences with composers who felt poorly treated by C.R.I.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "Feel poorly" is grammatically correct, be aware that it might sound slightly formal or old-fashioned in some contexts. Adjust your language to suit your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "Feel poorly" in situations where you want to express strong emotional distress. While it can refer to emotions, it's often interpreted as a mild form of discomfort or dissatisfaction. Use more direct language to describe serious emotional states.

Linguistic Context

"Feel poorly" functions as a verb phrase where "feel" is a linking verb and "poorly" is an adverb describing the state of being. It indicates a state of being unwell or treated unfairly. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both health and social contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Feel poorly" is a grammatically correct way to describe a state of being unwell or experiencing mistreatment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting it can be used to express physical discomfort, emotional unease, or a sense of being unfairly treated. While "feel unwell" or "feel bad" are more common alternatives, "Feel poorly" offers a distinct nuance, particularly when referring to mistreatment. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with some presence in scientific and wiki-based sources. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning, whether it's related to health, emotions, or social treatment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Feel unwell

This alternative uses a more common and direct synonym for "poorly".

Not feel well

This is a slightly more emphatic way of expressing the same sentiment.

Feel sick

This alternative specifies the feeling of illness more directly.

Feel ill

A formal synonym for "feel sick", implying a more severe state of being unwell.

Feel bad

A more general expression for not feeling good, which can be physical or emotional.

Be under the weather

An idiomatic expression indicating a mild illness or feeling of discomfort.

Experience discomfort

This phrase suggests a more general sense of unease rather than specifically illness.

Feel out of sorts

This indicates a general feeling of being not quite right, either physically or emotionally.

Feel below par

This phrase means not being in one's usual state of health or energy.

Feel lousy

An informal way to say one feels very unwell or unhappy.

FAQs

How can I use "Feel poorly" in a sentence?

You can use "Feel poorly" to describe a state of being unwell, such as "I started to "feel poorly" after catching a cold". It can also describe a sense of being badly treated, like "The residents "feel poorly" consulted about the development".

What can I say instead of "Feel poorly"?

Alternatives include "feel unwell", "feel sick", or "feel bad" depending on the specific context. If referring to treatment, consider "feel mistreated".

Is it correct to say "Feel poorly"?

Yes, "Feel poorly" is grammatically correct, but it may sound slightly formal or old-fashioned. Ludwig AI confirms this. More common alternatives include "feel unwell" or "feel bad".

What's the difference between "Feel poorly" and "Feel bad"?

"Feel poorly" often refers to a physical ailment or a sense of being inadequately treated. "Feel bad" is a broader term that can encompass both physical and emotional states. "Feel poorly" might be more specifically used to describe a sense of being unwell or mistreated.