feel very unwell

USAGE SUMMARY

"feel very unwell" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to express feeling sick, ill, or uncomfortable. For example: "I stayed home from work today because I was feeling very unwell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Director of the NAC, Prof David Denning, explained: "This is a group of patients with aspergillosis, a complex disease which makes them feel very unwell and which is difficult to explain.

The Guardian

I struggle to sleep during the day and by the third and fourth night shifts I start to feel very unwell and tired.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Subject says she feels "very unwell".[2] Bystander leaves hurriedly.

The New York Times

Aisha Khan, a Manchester-based business manager who was part of the same tour group told me a few days later of her anguish after the authorities would not open the barrier to let her husband through to her when she felt very unwell.

The Guardian - Opinion

While normally a person who feels very unwell might book an appointment at their GP's surgery, this has become increasingly unfeasible.

Vice

He told how he began feeling unwell during the flight, saying: "I started to feel very, very cold and slightly hallucinogenic... I felt like I was sitting in a field in winter and I was rocking back and forth.

The Guardian

But still, whenever she feels unwell the fear sets in and – despite a supportive family – she says that she can feel very alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But still, whenever she feels unwell the fear sets in and – despite a supportive family – she says that she can feel very alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I felt fine when boarding, then we took off and I suddenly felt really unwell.

Independent

Feeling very tired?

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

She was very unwell.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel very unwell" to express a general sense of discomfort, but consider more specific terms like "nauseous", "dizzy", or "fatigued" for clarity if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "I feel very unwell" without providing context. This can be unhelpful or misinterpreted. Be precise about your symptoms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel very unwell" functions as a descriptor, indicating a state of being in poor health. It combines the verb "feel" with an adverb ("very") and an adjective ("unwell") to convey the intensity and nature of the physical or mental discomfort. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is commonly used to express a general sense of illness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel very unwell" is a common and generally accepted phrase used to describe a state of poor health. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's often beneficial to provide more specific details about your symptoms for clarity, especially in medical contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as scientific sources. Related phrases include "feel very sick" and "feel really unwell", offering slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Feel very sick

Indicates a strong feeling of nausea or illness, often implying a need to vomit.

Feel really unwell

Uses "really" instead of "very" as an intensifier, maintaining the same meaning.

Feel quite unwell

Uses "quite" instead of "very" as an intensifier, suggesting a slightly lesser degree of illness.

Feel seriously ill

Emphasizes the severity of the illness.

Feel poorly

A more general and slightly less intense way to describe feeling unwell.

Feel under the weather

An idiomatic expression for feeling slightly unwell.

Feel like death warmed up

An idiomatic expression for feeling extremely unwell.

Not feeling myself

Suggests a general sense of being unwell or out of sorts.

Feel a bit rough

Indicates a mild feeling of being unwell, often associated with a hangover or slight illness.

Feel queasy

Specifically refers to feeling nauseous.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel very unwell"?

To "feel very unwell" means to experience a general sense of being sick, ill, or unhealthy. It's a way of describing a state of discomfort or reduced well-being.

What can I say instead of "feel very unwell"?

You can use alternatives like "feel very sick", "feel really unwell", or "feel poorly" to express a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to say "feel very unwell" in formal writing?

Yes, "feel very unwell" is appropriate in formal writing, although using more specific medical terminology may be preferable in some contexts to improve clarity and precision.

How can I use "feel very unwell" in a sentence?

You can use "feel very unwell" in a sentence like: "I decided to stay home from work today because I "feel very unwell"."