unwell

adjective

un·​well ˌən-ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
Synonyms of unwellnext
1
: being in poor health : ailing, sick
2
euphemistic + somewhat old-fashioned : undergoing menstruation

Synonyms of unwell

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Examples of unwell in a Sentence

Miss Bennett, are you unwell? I am sorry she is feeling unwell.
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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.
Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt pulled out of the race shortly before the stage after feeling unwell. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 After determining Descamps was too unwell to spend the night in jail, police officers challenged the hospital's decision to discharge him. — Brian Mann, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026 Four remaining lions are recovering, but three others are still unwell and undergoing treatment, the zoo said. — Yumi Asada, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Sadly, as the shed neared completion, Scott was too unwell to visit and passed away in November 2024. — New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for unwell

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unwell was in the 15th century

Rhymes for unwell

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Browse Nearby Words

unwelded
unwell
unwellness
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Cite this Entry

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwell. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

unwell

adjective
un·​well ˌən-ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
ˈən-
: being in poor health : ailing, sick

Medical Definition

unwell

adjective
un·​well -ˈwel How to pronounce unwell (audio)
: being in poor health : sick

More from Merriam-Webster on unwell

Nglish: Translation of unwell for Spanish Speakers

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