What does unwell mean?
Unwell is an adjective meaning not well, most often in the sense of being ill or in poor health. It is especially common in British and other Commonwealth English and is also standard, though less frequent, in American English. The word usually appears after a linking verb: a person may feel unwell, look unwell, or become unwell. This makes it an understated alternative to a more direct statement that someone is ill, a quality that can be useful in announcements, medical contexts, and everyday conversation. Unwell may describe a temporary condition or a more persistent illness, and the word itself does not indicate severity. In formal writing it can also appear before a noun, as in “an unwell patient,” although predicative use is the norm. Compared with “sick,” unwell is generally more neutral and less likely to suggest nausea specifically; compared with “ill,” it is often a little more conversational. Overall, unwell is a useful, mildly formal word whose quiet tone can soften bad news without obscuring its meaning.
adjectiveNot well or healthy; ill.
- Not in good health; ill.
"By noon, she was feeling too unwell to attend the meeting."
"By noon, she was feeling too unwell to attend the meeting."
"The official statement said that the minister was unwell and would postpone the announcement."
“A bit unwell” is one of British English’s great euphemisms: it can make a serious absence sound almost like a minor change in the weather.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does unwell come from?
Unwell was formed in English by combining the Old English prefix un-, meaning “not,” with well in the sense of being healthy or in good condition. The compound was in use by the late 16th century. Its relatives wellness, welfare, and wellspring preserve the older Germanic sense of well as a source, whole condition, or state of health.
Related word forms
How unwell is actually used
Unwell is most often used predicatively, as in “feel unwell” or “become unwell.” It can also appear before a noun in more formal writing, especially in medical contexts, although this use is less common.
Easily confused with unwell
Unwell is often a more neutral or euphemistic way of saying that someone is ill, whereas ill is also used more broadly for things in poor condition.