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Definition of unwell

unwell

/ʌnˈwɛl/
un · well
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unwell Lexical Profile

unwell Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Suffering from an illness or poor health; not feeling healthy or well.

Example

"She left the meeting early because she was feeling unwell and needed to rest."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for unwell
Antonyms
View all antonyms for unwell

Word Nuance & Usage

"Unwell" is almost exclusively used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., "feeling unwell") rather than directly before a noun.

• Rhymes for unwell

• Nearby Words

unwelcome
unwelcomely
unwelcoming
unwell
unwellness
unwhipped
unwholesome

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 15th century from the negative prefix "un-" and the Old English root "wel" (meaning "in good condition"), it became a widely adopted polite alternative to "sick" in the late 18th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Unwell. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/unwell
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