seriously indisposed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seriously indisposed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is unwell or unable to attend to their usual responsibilities, often due to illness. Example: "I regret to inform you that the manager is seriously indisposed and will not be able to attend the meeting today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Putin's disappearance for a week in spring, and his aides' refusal to admit that he had a bout of flu, caused unease and speculation that provided a glimpse into what could happen if the leader were ever seriously indisposed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Her subject, she says, is indisposed.

The New York Times - Books

The devil, on that afternoon, was indisposed.

The Guardian

The star, it added, was "temporarily indisposed".

The Guardian

"Seriously. "Seriously.

The New York Times - Magazine

But on this occasion, both Miranda and Muñoz were indisposed.

The New Yorker

(The conductor Cristian Macelaru replaced an indisposed Pierre Boulez).

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Hahn was a late substitute for an indisposed Midori.

The New York Times - Arts

And now the sight of the gramophone has indisposed her.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The company will say only that she is "indisposed".

The New York Times

No doubt Mr. Bergonzi really was feeling indisposed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seriously indisposed", consider the context and audience. It's a somewhat formal phrase, best suited for professional or official communications. For less formal settings, consider "seriously ill" or "gravely unwell".

Common error

Avoid using "seriously indisposed" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound unnatural or even humorous in those settings. Opt for more direct language like "really sick" or "very unwell".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seriously indisposed" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (usually a person) to describe their state of health. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase suggests a significant level of illness or incapacity, preventing the individual from fulfilling their usual duties.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seriously indisposed" is a grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe someone who is severely unwell. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for formal contexts and should be avoided in casual conversation. While not frequently used (rated as 'Rare'), its meaning is clear and its use in professional or official communications is appropriate. Consider alternatives like "seriously ill" or "gravely unwell" for broader applicability. Remember that, due to its level of formality, "seriously indisposed" may not be the best option in many everyday situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriously ill

A more direct and common way to express severe sickness.

gravely unwell

Implies a severe state of illness, focusing on the seriousness of the condition.

severely incapacitated

Emphasizes the limitation of abilities due to a serious condition.

critically sick

Highlights the critical nature of the illness, suggesting a life-threatening situation.

in critical condition

Focuses on the medical state, suggesting a need for immediate and intensive care.

dangerously unwell

Implies that the state of being unwell is posing a risk to life.

badly ailing

Indicates a prolonged period of poor health.

acutely unwell

Indicates a sudden and severe onset of illness.

seriously debilitated

Stresses the weakening effect of the illness.

gravely impaired

Highlights the functional limitations caused by a severe health issue.

FAQs

What does "seriously indisposed" mean?

The phrase "seriously indisposed" means severely unwell or unable to attend to one's duties due to illness or another health condition. It's a formal way of saying someone is quite sick.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "seriously indisposed"?

Use "seriously indisposed" in formal settings like professional emails, official announcements, or formal reports when referring to someone who is ill and unable to fulfill their responsibilities. Avoid using it in casual conversations.

What are some alternative phrases for "seriously indisposed"?

Alternatives include "gravely unwell", "severely incapacitated", or "seriously ill". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "seriously indisposed" different from "slightly indisposed"?

Yes, "seriously indisposed" implies a severe illness or condition, while "slightly indisposed" suggests a minor ailment or temporary discomfort. The former indicates a significant inability to function, while the latter implies only a minor inconvenience.