sickly looking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sickly looking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that appears unhealthy or weak in appearance. Example: "The sickly looking plant drooped sadly in the corner of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

He was rawboned and sickly looking, and I suspected part of his amusement was chemically induced.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Atticus was right," Scout muses, remembering her brief encounter with this sickly looking, unassuming neighbor.

The New Yorker

The exhibit's two paintings of skinny, bony women stood out as sickly looking.

The New York Times - Health

And they were all colored either this Hershey-bar shade of brown, a sickly looking gray or purple.

The New York Times - Arts

They weren't sickly looking before, but under Fidel you noticed more the way men's shirts flapped about them and the knobbiness of women's knees.

The New York Times - Magazine

Chemical sunscreens often make your eyes water, while "natural" physical versions (best for sensitive types) often leave skin chalky and sickly looking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Early on, Stephens had the sickly look of a fish reeled in too quickly from the depths.

The New York Times - Sports

Hours later, she was seen wandering the gaming floor with a sickly look on her face, trying to find her daughter.

The New York Times

When I asked him about the price of a particular stock, he gave me a sickly look and said, "You're still in equities?" Personally, he'd been short the market for two years.

The New Yorker

The wised-up, hollowed-out characters Terry encounters may have the sickly look of people who do business under lampposts, but they are vital citizens of Fusilli's gorgeous nightmare of a city.

The New York Times - Books

(Hint: he keeps himself in the spotlight. Could a cause be worthier?) There's Cruz's sickly look after Wallace recites derisive statements about him from fellow Republicans and he's reminded that even in his party and even on Fox, the distaste for him is robust.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "sickly looking", be mindful of the context and avoid using the phrase in a way that could be perceived as insensitive or judgmental. Focus on observable symptoms rather than making assumptions about the person's overall health.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "sickly looking" appearance automatically indicates a specific medical condition. A person's appearance can be influenced by various factors, including stress, fatigue, or temporary illness. Refrain from making diagnoses based solely on someone's appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sickly looking" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that something or someone has an appearance of being unwell or unhealthy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sickly looking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe something or someone that appears unhealthy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its usage spans various contexts, it is most prevalent in News & Media. When employing this phrase, consider the potential for insensitivity and strive to offer a compassionate depiction. Alternative phrases such as "unhealthy appearing" or "ill looking" can provide similar descriptive power while minimizing potential negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unhealthy appearing

Focuses on the lack of health, a direct synonym.

ill-looking

Uses 'ill' as a direct synonym for 'sickly'.

poorly looking

Emphasizes the poor state of appearance.

wan looking

Describes a pale and exhausted appearance.

frail looking

Highlights weakness and delicacy in appearance.

feeble looking

Emphasizes a lack of strength in appearance.

unwell appearing

A more general term for not appearing healthy.

peaked looking

Suggests a sudden decline in health and energy.

lacking vitality

Focuses on the absence of energy and liveliness.

in poor health

A more general description of someone's health status.

FAQs

How can I use "sickly looking" in a sentence?

You can use "sickly looking" to describe someone or something that appears unhealthy or weak. For example, "The "sickly looking plant" drooped sadly in the corner of the room" or "He had a "sickly looking complexion", which worried his family".

What are some alternatives to "sickly looking"?

Some alternatives to "sickly looking" include "unhealthy appearing", "ill looking", or "wan looking". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "sickly looking"?

While grammatically correct, describing someone as "sickly looking" can be insensitive. It's best to focus on observable symptoms or use more empathetic language unless the context requires a direct description. If you are in doubt, try "unhealthy appearing" instead.

What does it mean when something is described as "sickly looking"?

When something is described as "sickly looking", it means it appears unhealthy, weak, or in a state of decline. This can apply to people, animals, plants, or even inanimate objects.