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poorly. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
poorly, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
poorly in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
poorly you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Pronunciation
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)
- In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.
to live poorly
- With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.
to do poorly in business
- Meanly; without spirit.
- Without skill or merit.
He plays tennis poorly.
- In a negative manner; with disapproval.
I think poorly of them.
She looked poorly on that suggestion.
Collocations
Verbs to which "poorly" is often applied as an adverb to suggest insufficiency or inadequacy
- poorly planned
- poorly conceived
- poorly executed
- poorly implemented
- performing poorly
- poorly managed
- poorly controlled
- poorly designed
- poorly represented
- poorly differentiated
- poorly suited
- poorly built
- poorly dressed
- poorly soluble
- poorly ventilated
- poorly known
- poorly paid
- poorly used
Translations
Etymology 2
From poor + -ly.
Adjective
poorly (not comparable)
- (UK) Ill, unwell, sick.
- to report one's child poorly
2011, Peter Liddle, quoting Manya Stern, “Manya Stern – A Polish Jewess, Life under German Occupation, Forced Labour in Germany, and Survivor of Bergen-Belsen”, in Captured Memories 1930–1945: Across the Threshold of War: The Thirties and the War, Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Pen & Sword Military, →ISBN, section two (1939–1945), subsection “On the Home Front”, page 334:A hospital was established very quickly – beds and clean sheets and skilled care – then by ambulance my cousin and I were taken to Celle and here hospital staff were wonderful. […] particular attention was given to my cousin who was poorlier than me […]
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