POORLY Synonyms: 169 Similar and Opposite Words

poorly 1 of 2

adverb

ˈpu̇r-lē

Definition of poorly

as in badly

in an unsatisfactory way he tends to perform poorly on standardized tests a poorly drawn figure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

poorly

2 of 2

adjective

as in sick

temporarily suffering from a disorder of the body she stayed home because she was feeling poorly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of poorly

Adverb

An antenna designed for one frequency might perform poorly at another, substantially different frequency. — New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026 The party in control of the White House typically fares poorly in midterm elections. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 21 Oct. 2026

Adjective

For however poorly things are going — and the bad tone set by the starters has leaked into some defensive lapses and some pressing at the plate — the Padres got themselves into a really favorable position before this. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Sep. 2025 This involves having a poorly or non-functioning colon and is not usually reversible. — Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poorly

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poorly

Adverb

Seems extreme on the downside, but the deal was placed really badly in a bad tape.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Playing the contrarian to the Federal Reserve’s plans to stimulate or dampen the economy only ends badly.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of badly

Adjective

In Tarrant County, there’s a slate of down ballot candidates, including a race for county judge.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026
Improvement from 2025 counts most, but the formula also considers previous years to discourage rewarding traditionally strong teams that simply bounce back from a down year.

— Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of down

Adverb

Markos takes revenge by slicing up Matt’s face with a switchblade, leaving him horribly disfigured and his acting career essentially over.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Nature created measles, modern science found the vaccine to stop it cold and end it forever and now horribly, Bobby Kennedy has brought it roaring back.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of horribly

Adjective

Sources said that person was not injured as a result of the landing, but became ill during the flight, and asked to go to the hospital after getting off the plane.

— Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
At least one case of congenital measles led to a death; the first death reported in the current outbreak was in a newborn baby boy, who died immediately after birth while his mother was severely ill with measles.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of ill

Browse Nearby Words

poorish

poorly

poor-mouth

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Style

“Poorly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poorly. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of poorly

adverb

adjective

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