under the weather

/ˈʌndɚ ðə ˈwɛðɚ/◆idiom

feeling unwell or sick

I can't come to work today because I'm feeling under the weather.

The speaker is saying they are sick and cannot attend work.

◆ What It Really Means

Feeling unwell or sick

¶ Literal Meaning

Being physically beneath the weather conditions

Literal Breakdown

underbeneath or below+thea specific instance of+weatherthe state of the atmosphere

◇ Mental Image

The phrase evokes the idea of being affected by external conditions, much like how weather can impact a person's physical state.

◈ When to Use

A coworker calls in sick and says, 'I'm feeling under the weather today, so I won't be able to come in.'

◉ Cultural Note

This phrase is widely used in English-speaking countries and has been part of the language for many years, though its exact origin is unclear.

informal

Feeling ill or not in good health

After eating something bad, she felt under the weather for days.

She was sick for several days after eating something that made her ill.

This phrase is commonly used in casual conversation to describe mild illness or discomfort.

Synonyms

sick ill unwell indisposed

Antonyms

healthy well fit

Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use 'under the weather' when you want to casually mention that you or someone else is feeling sick without going into medical details.

Word Origin

The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it may come from the idea that weather can affect one's health, or from nautical terms where 'under the weather' referred to being on the leeward side of a ship, which was often a less comfortable and more exposed position.

Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation to describe feeling unwell. It is not typically used in formal or medical contexts.

English Dictionary

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