slightly unwell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly unwell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mild state of illness or discomfort. Example: "I won't be able to attend the meeting today as I'm feeling slightly unwell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's starting to look slightly unwell and I'd like to keep it healthy and blooming.

The New York Times

For days her distraught mother tried to hide the truth from her husband, telling him that their daughter could not visit him because she was slightly unwell, or busy visiting relatives.

The Guardian

But after the holidays we do often find ourselves with the unwelcome bulge of extra pounds and a slightly unwell feeling, having pushed our bodies and our digestive systems to the limit.

The New York Times

Sparse drum programming punctuates intimate electronic textures and abstract samples with deft restraint, suggesting half-understood nightclub conversations and the perverse pleasure of feeling slightly unwell.

Vice

An illness that has made a healthy adult slightly unwell can cause serious complications in these groups.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Barring some exceptions, the majority I have seen either made me feel unwell, slightly depressed, or both.

Vice

The results reveal that the participants were able to spot a sick person slightly better than if they were guessing, correctly identifying someone as being unwell 52% of the time.

The Guardian

In the vignette the patient gets better after treatment or remains unwell and they are described as either emotionally balanced (stable) or slightly neurotic in character (2 × 2 × 2 design).

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

He told how he began feeling unwell during the flight, saying: "I started to feel very, very cold and slightly hallucinogenic... I felt like I was sitting in a field in winter and I was rocking back and forth.

The Guardian

While appearing in Don't Just Lie There, Say Something! at the Metro Theatre, Sydney in 1971, Terry-Thomas felt unwell and visited a doctor, who noticed his patient's left hand was shaking slightly; the doctor suggested a visit, upon his return to the UK, to a specialist, who diagnosed the actor with Parkinson's disease.

Wikipedia

"Doctor, I feel unwell".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's health, use "slightly unwell" to convey a sense of mild sickness without causing alarm or exaggerating their condition. It's particularly useful when downplaying symptoms or offering a gentle explanation for someone's behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly unwell" when the situation requires a more serious description. If symptoms are severe or the person is clearly very ill, use more direct and descriptive language to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly unwell" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a mild degree of illness or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing a mild state of being sick.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slightly unwell" is a useful and grammatically correct way to describe a mild state of illness. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is a valid expression in English. While "slightly unwell" appears most frequently in News & Media, it is also present in other contexts like Wiki and Science. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of being a bit sick without causing alarm and has a neutral register. For similar but slightly different meanings, consider alternatives such as "a bit under the weather" or "not feeling quite right". Be mindful of overstating the severity of an illness when using this phrase; it's best suited for describing minor discomforts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit under the weather

This is a common idiom for feeling mildly ill; implies a temporary and slight discomfort.

feeling a little sick

This phrase describes a mild sensation of illness or nausea.

not feeling quite right

This suggests a vague sense of being unwell without specifying symptoms.

feeling off-color

This idiom describes a mild illness or feeling of discomfort.

not at my best

This phrase indicates a temporary reduction in physical or mental well-being.

somewhat indisposed

Describes a state of being slightly unwell, often used in a formal context.

a little queasy

Implies a mild feeling of nausea or stomach discomfort.

not up to par

This idiom indicates a state of being below one's usual level of health or performance.

slightly ailing

Indicates a mild and temporary decline in health.

a touch unwell

Uses "touch" to minimize, making it a more casual equivalent.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly unwell" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly unwell" to describe a mild state of illness. For example, "I'm feeling "slightly unwell" today, so I'll be working from home."

What's a more formal way to say "slightly unwell"?

A more formal way to say "slightly unwell" is "somewhat indisposed", which is often used to politely indicate a mild illness.

Is "slightly unwell" the same as "slightly sick"?

Yes, "slightly unwell" and "slightly sick" are generally interchangeable, both describing a mild feeling of illness. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or regional dialect.

What can I say instead of "slightly unwell" to downplay an illness?

To downplay an illness, you could use phrases like "a bit under the weather" or "not feeling quite right", which suggest a mild and temporary condition.