poorly

1. 1
   adverb

   Not well, without much skill.

   I sing poorly, so I stand in the back row.

   The fence was poorly built and fell down in the wind.

   Similarbadly, inadequately, carelessly, shoddily, ineptly

   Oppositewell, skillfully, expertly

2. 2
   adverb

   Without much success.

   She did poorly on the math test.

   Our cookies sold poorly at the school fair.

   Similarbadly, unsuccessfully

   Oppositewell, successfully

3. 3
   adverb

   Without much money or the things you need to be comfortable.

   The family lived poorly in a small, cold apartment.

   When money was short, they ate poorly for weeks.

   Similarbadly, inadequately, humbly, meagerly

   Oppositewell, comfortably, richly, lavishly

4. 4
   adverb

   In a way that shows you do not like or approve of someone or something.

   Please don't think poorly of me for leaving early.

   The neighbors thought poorly of the noisy new family.

   Similarbadly, unfavorably, dimly

   Oppositewell, favorably, kindly

   Note
5. 5
   adjectiveUK

   Sick, not feeling well.

   Mum's a bit poorly today, so she's staying in bed.

   Our dog was poorly after eating something in the park.

   Similarunwell, ill, sick

   Oppositewell, healthy

   Note
6. 6
   adverb

   In a weak way that shows no courage or pride.

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

   1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of WondersHere, poorly means in a cowardly way, without courage or dignity.

   Note

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