poorly
poorly Lexical Profile
poorly Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
In an unsatisfactory, inadequate, or inferior manner; badly.
"The instructions were poorly translated, making it difficult to assemble the desk."
In a condition of poverty, scarcity, or insufficient financial resources.
"The family lived poorly during the economic downturn, relying on modest rations."
• adjective
British Unwell, indisposed, or in bad health.
"The child was feeling too poorly to attend school that morning."
Word Nuance & Usage
While primarily functioning as the standard manner adverb of 'poor', 'poorly' also serves as a predicate adjective meaning 'unwell' or 'slightly ill' (especially in British English, as in 'she feels poorly').
• Rhymes for poorly
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'poor' (from Old French 'povre', ultimately from Latin 'pauper') plus the adverbial and adjectival suffix '-ly'.