poorly

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɔː(r)li

Etymology 1

From Middle English poorly, pouerly, poreliche, poureliche, pouerliche, equivalent to poor +‎ -ly.

Adverb

poorly (comparative poorlier or more poorly, superlative poorliest or most poorly)

1. In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.

   to live poorly

2. With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.

   to do poorly in business

3. Meanly; without spirit.
   • (Can we date this quote by Dryden and provide title, author’s full name, and other details?)

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

4. Without skill or merit.

   He plays tennis poorly.

Usage notes

• Verbs to which "poorly" is often applied as an adverb to suggest insufficiency or inadequacy: planned, conceived, executed, implemented, performing, managed, controlled, designed, represented, differentiated, suited, built, dressed, soluble, ventilated, known, paid, used etc.

Example: Putting a Clif bar in a Magic Bullet will end poorly.

Etymology 2

From poor +‎ -ly.

Adjective

poorly (not comparable)

1. ill, unwell, sick

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:diseased

Translations

ill — see ill

Anagrams

• pyloro-