poorly
//ˈpʊə.li//
Forms
- Comparative
- more poorly
- Superlative
- most poorly
- Comparative
- poorlier
- Superlative
- poorliest
Definitions
1.In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.
2.With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.
3.Meanly; without spirit.
- Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.
4.Without skill or merit.
1.Ill, unwell, sick.
- We talk about Kim, who is very poorly now. He can hardly see at all, and his legs are suppurating.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4573
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
From Middle English poorly, pouerly, poreliche, poureliche, pouerliche, equivalent to poor + -ly.