unwellness

English

Etymology

unwell +‎ -ness

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ʌnˈwɛl.nɪs/, /ʌnˈwɛl.nəs/

Noun

unwellness (uncountable)

1. The state or characteristic of being unwell; a feeling of slight to moderate sickliness.
   • 1887, Charles Darwin, chapter 5, in The Autobiography of Charles Darwin:

     During the three years and eight months whilst we resided in London, I did less scientific work, though I worked as hard as I possibly could, than during any other equal length of time in my life. This was owing to frequently recurring unwellness, and to one long and serious illness.

Usage notes

• "Unwellness" denotes a state of being ill, but tends to suggest a lesser degree of ailment than would be indicated by the terms "illness" or "sickness".