not looking healthy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not looking healthy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears to be in poor health or condition. Example: "After weeks of neglect, the garden is not looking healthy, with wilting plants and brown leaves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Wrestling's prospects were not looking healthy, but now some big guns are being fired on its behalf.

Independent

The network's business is ratings, not sanitation or correctional control, and the signs for yesterday's broadcast, from early Nielsen estimates, are not looking healthy — down by ten per cent from last year.

The New Yorker

"Just as the authorities are managing to hammer down demand growth, the rest of the world is not looking healthy, so there's going to be an export shock," she said.

The New York Times

Back in Australia, the economy is not looking healthy or progressive amid 17 consecutive quarters (a national record) of falling real net national disposable income per capita, plunging capital expenditure, record low wage growth, immense household debt, negative nominal rental price growth, a trade-exposed sector gutted by the high dollar and a lacklustre innovation scene starved of capital.

The Guardian - Business

Some people from Pelamis may be employed by it, but this is a strategically important area, and with a struggle to find investors, it's not looking healthy.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"He did not look healthy," he said.

The New York Times

Tyson Chandler returned to the lineup after a prolonged absence with a neck injury and did not look healthy, barely playing in the second half.

The New York Times - Sports

Georgia's position does not look healthy.

Forbes

The migration deal looks set to be kept alive on similarly flimsy grounds, for a while at least — although Hakura said its prospects do not look healthy in the long term.

Vice

I was in the middle of our NFL study so I was used to standing next to people who were 6'4" and 300 pounds, but Rick did not look healthy or vibrant.

Huffington Post

Given the slice of the immensely enlarged volume of bank loans that have gone into corporate treasuries and the stock market, it would be surprising if companies do not look healthier and the Shanghai exchange index does not retain the increase seen this year – helped by a ban on new share issues that is only now being lifted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or entity that's declining, use "not looking healthy" to create a vivid and immediate sense of concern or urgency. This can be particularly effective in journalism or reports where grabbing the reader's attention is crucial.

Common error

While "not looking healthy" is widely understood, it can sound too informal in academic papers or business reports. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "deteriorating condition" or "showing signs of decline" for a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not looking healthy" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a negative assessment of the subject's condition or appearance. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's usable and correct in English. The phrase commonly serves to highlight concerns about well-being or status.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not looking healthy" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe someone or something appearing to be in poor condition. As noted by Ludwig AI, the expression is found most frequently in News & Media, but also appears in Wiki and Science contexts. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral and informal settings, with more formal alternatives like "deteriorating condition" being preferable for academic or business use. Overall, it's a simple, effective way to convey concern about an observed decline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearing unwell

Focuses on the visual aspect of being sick or in bad condition.

seeming unhealthy

Emphasizes the impression or perception of poor health.

in poor condition

Highlights the deteriorated state of something, not necessarily related to health.

looking sickly

Directly refers to a visual appearance suggestive of illness.

failing health

Indicates a progressive decline in health.

deteriorating condition

Implies a worsening state, applicable to various contexts beyond just health.

not in good shape

A more general expression for being in a bad state, physically or otherwise.

showing signs of decline

Emphasizes the observable indications of something getting worse.

health is compromised

Focuses on health being in a weakened or vulnerable state.

waning health

Suggests a gradual decrease in health or vitality.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not looking healthy"?

Alternatives include "appearing unwell", "seeming unhealthy", or "in poor condition" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "not looking healthy"?

This phrase is suitable for general contexts like news reports or informal conversations when describing someone or something in poor condition. However, avoid it in formal or academic writing.

Is "not looking healthy" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not looking healthy" is grammatically correct and widely used. It follows standard English grammar rules for forming a negative present participle phrase.

What does it mean when someone says something is "not looking healthy"?

It means that something or someone appears to be in poor condition, declining, or showing signs of illness or deterioration.