Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Poorly
Poor′ly
,adv.
1.
In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort;
as, to live
. poorly
2.
With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage;
as, to do
. poorly
in business3.
Meanly; without spirit.
Nor is their courage or their wealth so low,
That from his wars they
That from his wars they
poorly
would retire. Dryden.
4.
Without skill or merit;
as, he performs
. poorly
Poorly off
, not well off; not rich.
Poor′ly
,Adj.
Somewhat ill; indisposed; not in health.
“Having been poorly in health.” T. Scott.
Webster 1828 Edition
Poorly
POOR'LY
,adv.
1.
With little or no success; with little growth, profit or advantage; as, wheat grows poorly on the Atlantic borders of New England; these men have succeeded poorly in business.2.
Meanly; without spirit. Nor is their courage or their wealth so low,
That from his wars they poorly would retire.
3.
Without excellence or dignity. He performs poorly in elevated characters.POOR'LY
,Adj.
For three or four weeks past I have lost ground, having been poorly in health.
Definition 2024
poorly
poorly
English
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.
- Dryden
- Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.
- Dryden
- 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, etc.
Adjective
poorly (not comparable)
Synonyms
- See also Wikisaurus:diseased
Translations
ill — see ill