poorly

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈpʊə.li/, /ˈpɔː.li/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈpʊɹ.li/, /ˈpɔɹ.li/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʊə(ɹ)li, -ɔː(ɹ)li

Etymology 1

From Middle English poorly, pouerly, poreliche, poureliche, pouerliche, equivalent to poor +‎ -ly.

Adverb

poorly (comparative more poorly or (rare) poorlier, superlative most poorly or (rare) poorliest)

1. In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.

   to live poorly

2. With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.

   to do poorly in business

   • 2017 May 23, Gregory Krieg and Will Mullery, “Trump’s budget by the numbers: What gets cut and why”, in CNN‎^[1]:

     “The Budget proposes eliminating Supporting Effective Instruction (SEI) State Grants (Title II State grants), a program that provides formula funds to States to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other schools leaders. SEI grants are poorly targeted and funds are spread too thinly to have a meaningful impact on student outcomes.

3. Meanly; without spirit.
   • 1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of Wonders, 1666. […], London: […] Henry Herringman, […], →OCLC, (please specify the stanza number):

     Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.

4. Without skill or merit.

   He plays tennis poorly.

5. In a negative manner; with disapproval; unfavorably.

   I think poorly of them.

   She looked poorly on that suggestion.

Collocations

Verbs to which "poorly" is often applied as an adverb to suggest insufficiency or inadequacy

• poorly planned
• poorly conceived
• poorly executed
• poorly implemented
• performing poorly
• poorly managed
• poorly controlled
• poorly designed
• poorly represented
• poorly differentiated
• poorly suited
• poorly built
• poorly dressed
• poorly soluble
• poorly ventilated
• poorly known
• poorly paid
• poorly used

Translations

without plenty

• Finnish: köyhänä, köyhästi
• Polish: biednie (pl)

Etymology 2

From poor +‎ -ly.

Adjective

poorly (comparative poorlier or more poorly, superlative poorliest or most poorly)

1. (UK) Ill, unwell, sick.

   to report one's child poorly

   • 2008, Carla van Raay, “The Passing of a Friend”, in The Price of Passion, London: Ebury Press, →ISBN, page 241:

     We talk about Kim, who is very poorly now. He can hardly see at all, and his legs are suppurating.

   • 2011, Peter Liddle, quoting Manya Stern, “Manya Stern – A Polish Jewess, Life under German Occupation, Forced Labour in Germany, and Survivor of Bergen-Belsen”, in Captured Memories 1930–1945: Across the Threshold of War: The Thirties and the War, Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Pen & Sword Military, →ISBN, section two (1939–1945), subsection “On the Home Front”, page 334:

     A hospital was established very quickly – beds and clean sheets and skilled care – then by ambulance my cousin and I were taken to Celle and here hospital staff were wonderful. […] particular attention was given to my cousin who was poorlier than me […]

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:diseased

Derived terms

• poorliness
• poorlyish

Translations

ill — see ill

Anagrams

• pyloro-