feeling unwell

USAGE SUMMARY

"feeling unwell" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical feeling of sickness or malaise. For example, "I was feeling unwell, so I decided to take the day off from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then he gives up, feeling "unwell".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One day Benji came home feeling unwell.

The Guardian

Duncan's first visit to an emergency room since feeling unwell.

The Guardian

Later, Howard texts to say he is feeling unwell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She told her parents she was feeling unwell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I started feeling unwell – nauseous with lots of headaches.

The Guardian

He has not yet been named but had complained of feeling unwell after taking ecstasy.

The Guardian

Cowley has been feeling unwell throughout the game, and has now been checked by medical staff.

The Guardian - Sport

"He called the ambulance about two more times because he was feeling unwell.

The Guardian

1.52pm BST So the medal ceremony has been delayed...... after Jonny Brownlee started feeling unwell.

The Guardian - Sport

If anyone is feeling unwell they are advised to call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific symptom, follow "feeling unwell" with details. For instance, "I'm feeling unwell, experiencing a headache and nausea."

Common error

Avoid using "feeling unwell" as a vague statement without specifying symptoms. This can be uninformative. Instead, combine it with specific complaints, such as "feeling unwell with a sore throat and cough".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling unwell" functions as an adjective phrase, describing a state of health. It indicates a subjective experience of not being in good health, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling unwell" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of being in poor health. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adjective phrase and is versatile enough for use in various contexts. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media, and scientific sources. While generally neutral in tone, it's best practice to follow it with specifics about symptoms. Alternative phrases include "feeling sick" or "feeling ill", but the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling sick

Implies a general sense of nausea or illness, very close in meaning but slightly more common in informal contexts.

feeling ill

A more general and slightly more formal way of expressing sickness.

feeling under the weather

An idiomatic expression indicating a mild illness or feeling slightly unwell.

feeling poorly

A more British English way of saying feeling unwell.

feeling queasy

Specifically suggests nausea or a tendency to vomit.

feeling nauseous

More directly indicates a sensation of nausea, often a prelude to vomiting.

not feeling myself

Indicates a deviation from one's normal state of health or well-being.

feeling indisposed

A formal way of saying feeling slightly unwell, often used in professional settings.

experiencing malaise

Refers to a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify.

having a touch of something

An informal way to describe a mild illness, implying it's not severe.

FAQs

What does "feeling unwell" mean?

The phrase "feeling unwell" describes a general sense of being sick or not in good health. It's a way to express that you don't feel well without specifying the exact illness or symptoms.

How can I use "feeling unwell" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling unwell" to describe your physical condition. For example: "I'm "feeling unwell", so I'm staying home from work today". Another example: "She reported "feeling unwell" after the flight".

What are some alternative phrases for "feeling unwell"?

Instead of "feeling unwell", you could say "feeling sick", "feeling ill", "feeling under the weather", or "not feeling well", depending on the context and the severity of the symptoms.

When should I seek medical attention if I'm feeling unwell?

If you're "feeling unwell" and your symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning signs (such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or severe pain), you should seek medical attention promptly.