feels lousy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feels lousy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a feeling of discomfort, unhappiness, or general malaise. Example: "After hearing the bad news, she just feels lousy and doesn't want to do anything."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Health & Well-being

Personal Experiences

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He feels lousy.

The New Yorker

But it sure feels lousy.

The New York Times - Style

(I agree, but it feels lousy saying it).

The New Yorker

"It feels lousy," he said at the time.

The New York Times

She feels lousy herself, but, as the night goes on, she is stirred by her patient's helplessness, and she becomes his advocate and protector.

The New Yorker

"It feels lousy," said Mr. Lautenberg, who tells anyone who asks that, in hindsight, he regrets his decision to retire from the Senate after 18 years in office.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I feel lousy.

The New Yorker

People here feel lousy".

The New York Times

"It makes me feel lousy".

The New York Times

HUTSCHNECKER: I feel lousy, frankly.

The New York Times - Magazine

Still, it can feel lousy to be left out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feels lousy" in informal contexts to express a general sense of discomfort, unhappiness, or being unwell. It is suitable for expressing personal feelings or describing someone's condition in casual conversation or writing.

Common error

Avoid using "feels lousy" in formal or professional contexts, where more precise or professional language is expected. Instead, opt for phrases like "feels unwell" or "is experiencing discomfort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feels lousy" functions as a descriptive expression, characterizing a state of being. It conveys a subjective feeling of discomfort or unhappiness. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

HuffPost

20%

The New Yorker

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feels lousy" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe a general sense of being unwell, unhappy, or uncomfortable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Although the phrase is more suited for informal settings, it effectively conveys personal feelings across various contexts, primarily in news and media, as well as in personal blogs and health-related articles. While there are more formal alternatives, such as "feels unwell" or "is experiencing discomfort", "feels lousy" serves as a direct and relatable way to express a negative state of being.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feels unwell

A more general and polite way to describe feeling sick or uncomfortable.

feels sick

Focuses specifically on physical sickness.

feels terrible

Indicates a stronger degree of discomfort or distress.

feels awful

Similar to "feels terrible" but can also imply emotional distress.

feels dreadful

A more formal and emphatic way to say "feels bad".

feels rotten

A slightly informal way to describe feeling very unwell.

feels under the weather

A common idiom for feeling slightly unwell.

feels out of sorts

Describes a general feeling of being unwell or not quite right.

feels below par

Implies a reduction in normal energy levels and well-being.

feels poorly

A more formal way of saying "feels unwell" or "feels sick".

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "feels lousy"?

Saying someone "feels lousy" means they are experiencing a general sense of discomfort, unhappiness, or being unwell. It's a casual way to describe feeling sick, sad, or simply not at your best.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "feels lousy"?

It's appropriate in informal settings, such as casual conversations or personal writing. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts where more precise language is expected.

What can I say instead of "feels lousy"?

You can use alternatives like "feels unwell", "feels sick", or "feels terrible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "feels lousy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "feels lousy" is grammatically correct. "Feels" is the verb, and "lousy" is an adjective describing the feeling. According to Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules.