Synonyms for Poorly
Definition of poorly
- adverb
- (`ill' is often used as a combining form) in a poor or improper or unsatisfactory manner; not well; "he was ill prepared"; "it ill befits a man to betray old friends"; "the car runs badly"; "he performed badly on the exam"; "the team played poorly"; "ill-fitting clothes"; "an ill- conceived plan"
- adjective
- somewhat ill or prone to illness; "my poor ailing grandmother"; "feeling a bit indisposed today"; "you look a little peaked"; "feeling poorly"; "a sickly child"; "is unwell and can't come to work"
7 synonyms found
Writing tips for "poorly"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like ailing, badly, ill can replace "poorly" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 7 alternatives available, "poorly" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Poorly" in song lyrics
See how poorly is used in real songs:
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"Crook you're shook you started poorly"
Aesop Rock — Troubled Waters -
"may I not call in vain and poorly"
Aztlan Underground — War Flowers -
"Goin through tracks and flowin through raps poorly"
Breeze — Watch the Hook