under the weather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under the weather" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is feeling ill or unwell. Example: "I won't be able to attend the meeting today because I'm feeling a bit under the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"She's probably under the weather.

The New Yorker

Under the weather?

The New York Times

So, you're feeling under the weather.

Independent

"Nothing serious, just under the weather".

The New York Times - Arts

Not feeling particularly well, under the weather.

The Guardian - Sport

"I was feeling under the weather coming into the competition.

Independent

Maddow was slightly under the weather, and sipped hot water.

The New Yorker

Right turn to Tehran!" Slightly under the weather today.

The New Yorker

Her scheduled partner -- Mr. Bocelli -- was under the weather.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was told he was under the weather".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Unfortunately, due to my aforementioned under-the-weather-ness, this will not be possible.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the weather" to describe a temporary state of mild illness. Avoid using it for serious or chronic conditions. It's best suited for situations where someone feels slightly unwell but can generally still function.

Common error

Don't use "under the weather" when describing serious illnesses or conditions. It downplays the severity and may not accurately convey the person's actual state. Use more specific and descriptive terms to communicate the seriousness of the situation.

How to use

Learn how to use "under the weather" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "under the weather" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of mild illness or discomfort. Ludwig examples show its use in describing someone's condition or reason for absence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under the weather" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe a state of mild illness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and functions as an adjective phrase. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral to informal register. When writing, it's best to use this phrase for temporary and mild conditions, avoiding its use for serious illnesses. For alternatives, consider phrases like "feeling unwell" or "not feeling well". With a high expert rating, "under the weather" is a reliable and understandable way to communicate feeling slightly ill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling unwell

Directly states a lack of well-being; a less idiomatic alternative.

not feeling well

Similar to "feeling unwell", but emphasizes the absence of wellness.

a bit sick

A simple and direct way to express mild illness.

slightly ill

Formally indicates a mild state of sickness.

out of sorts

Suggests a general feeling of being unwell or not quite right.

poorly

A concise way to say someone is not in good health.

under the আফেct

Similar structure, but refers to psychological rather than physical state.

a little rough

Suggests a temporary state of feeling unwell, often after a difficult experience.

not up to par

Indicates a performance or condition below the usual standard, implying illness.

under the influence

Refers to being impaired by alcohol or drugs, rather than illness, but is another "under the" idiom.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "under the weather"?

Being "under the weather" generally means feeling slightly ill or unwell, but not seriously sick. It suggests a temporary state of discomfort or mild sickness.

How can I use "under the weather" in a sentence?

You might say, "I won't be able to make it to the party tonight because I'm feeling a bit "under the weather"", or "She's been "under the weather" all week with a cold".

What can I say instead of "under the weather"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling unwell", "not feeling well", or "a bit sick" depending on the context.

Is "under the weather" formal or informal?

"Under the weather" is considered an informal expression. It's suitable for casual conversations and informal writing, but may not be appropriate for formal or professional contexts. In formal situations consider using "feeling unwell" instead.