unwell
/ʌnˈwɛl/adjective★Beginner— not in good health
general
Not in good health; feeling ill or sick
He had to stay home because he was feeling unwell.
He was sick and couldn't go to work.
The doctor said she was unwell and needed rest.
The doctor advised her to rest because she was sick.
💡
Often used to describe mild to moderate illness, not necessarily severe.
Collocations
feel unwellto experience illness or discomfortbecome unwellto fall sickkeep someone unwellto cause someone to be sick
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'unwell' in formal contexts; 'sick' is more informal.
⚡Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
'Unwell' is more formal than 'sick' or 'ill'.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'unwele', from 'un-' (not) + 'wele' (well-being).
📝Usage Notes
Can be used to describe physical or mental illness. Often used in formal contexts.
Word Breakdown
un-
not
prefixwell
healthy
rootEnglish Dictionary