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

Examples of unwell in a Sentence

Miss Bennett, are you unwell? I am sorry she is feeling unwell.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
When someone is off island or unwell, others have to fill in, whether that means covering shifts, running errands or slaughtering a cow. NPR, 4 Apr. 2026 In at least one instance noted in the investigation, guides allegedly laced food with baking powder to cause people to be unwell, the outlet stated. Alex Nitzberg, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Just minutes after the opening scenes of the musical, Megan reportedly began feeling unwell, and the show was stopped suddenly. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026 Jane is a deeply unwell woman, enthralled by the lavish lives of the wealthy and consumed by the idealistic fairy tales of her childhood. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 18 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unwell. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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

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