poorly meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

poorly

adv

UK /ˈpʊə.li/ · US /ˈpʊɹ.li/

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

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

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

to do poorly in business
“The Budget proposes eliminating Supporting Effective Instruction (SEI) State Grants (Title II State grants), a program that provides formula funds to States to improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other schools leaders. SEI grants are poorly targeted and funds are spread too thinly to have a meaningful impact on student outcomes.2017 May 23, Gregory Krieg and Will Mullery, “Trump’s budget by the numbers: What gets cut and why”, in CNN:

Meanly; without spirit.

Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of Wonders, 1666. […], London: […] Henry Herringman, […], →OCLC, (please specify the stanza number):

Without skill or merit.

In a negative manner; with disapproval; unfavorably.

adj

Etymology From poor + -ly.

UK Ill, unwell, sick.

to report one's child poorly
We talk about Kim, who is very poorly now. He can hardly see at all, and his legs are suppurating.2008, Carla van Raay, “The Passing of a Friend”, in The Price of Passion, London: Ebury Press, →ISBN, page 241:

2 more examples

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 […]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:
" […] they'd have the two poorly babies to care for as well."2007, Connie Anderson, The House in Cedar Avenue, page 281