is unwell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is unwell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not feeling well or is ill. Example: "She has been absent from work this week because she is unwell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Irvine Welsh is unwell.

Independent

HUGO CHÁVEZ is unwell.

The Economist

John Patterson is unwell.

The Guardian - Film

His mother, who is unwell, has not read it.

The New York Times - Books

It becomes apparent, however, that Charlotte is unwell.

Britannica

Bo Diddley is unwell - he has had a stroke.

The Guardian - Music

He is an elderly man who is unwell at times".

The Guardian

He is unwell often, succumbing to regular fevers and breaking out in rashes.

The Guardian

And you care about your son, who is unwell and in hospital.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The mother is old, and since she received this news, she is unwell".

The New York Times

If someone is unwell, it is not a sign of personal weakness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's condition, consider the audience and context. "Is unwell" is generally appropriate, but more specific terms might be better in medical or formal settings. For instance, "is experiencing symptoms of pneumonia" provides more precise information than simply stating someone "is unwell".

Common error

While "is unwell" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "is feeling sick" or "is under the weather" to sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is unwell" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state or condition of a subject. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is commonly used to indicate that someone is experiencing poor health. Examples show its use in various contexts, from describing personal health to broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Unknown

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is unwell" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe someone who is not in good health. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to inform or report on a person's condition across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, it can be slightly formal and may be replaced with more casual alternatives like "is feeling sick" in informal settings. Remember to consider your audience and the context when choosing the most appropriate way to express that someone is experiencing illness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not well

A direct synonym with minimal change in meaning or formality.

is feeling sick

Focuses on the subjective experience of illness.

is ailing

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to say someone is ill.

is under the weather

An idiomatic expression implying a mild illness.

is indisposed

A formal term suggesting a temporary inability to perform normal activities due to illness.

is in poor health

Highlights the general state of someone's health.

is not in good health

Similar to 'is in poor health' but slightly less direct.

is laid up

Suggests being confined due to illness or injury.

is out of sorts

Indicates a general feeling of discomfort or mild illness.

is suffering from an ailment

Emphasizes the specific ailment causing the unwellness.

FAQs

What does "is unwell" mean?

The phrase "is unwell" means that someone is not in good health or is experiencing illness. It's a general term to describe a state of being sick or not feeling well.

What are some alternative ways to say "is unwell"?

You can use alternatives such as "is not well", "is feeling sick", or "is under the weather" depending on the context.

Is "is unwell" formal or informal?

"Is unwell" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal way of saying someone is sick. In very informal contexts, other phrases might be more appropriate.

How do I use "is unwell" in a sentence?

You can use "is unwell" to describe someone's current state of health. For example, "She "is unwell" and unable to attend the meeting" or "If your child "is unwell", you should contact your GP".