The meaning of POORLY is in a poor condition or manner; especially : in an inferior or imperfect way : badly. How to use poorly in a sentence.

POORLY definition: in a poor manner or way. See examples of poorly used in a sentence.

POORLY definition: 1. not well: 2. ill: 3. not well: . Learn more.

2 meanings: 1. in a poor way or manner; badly 2. informal in poor health; rather ill.... Click for more definitions.

Definitions of poorly adverb (`ill' is often used as a combining form) in a poor or improper or unsatisfactory manner; not well “the team played poorly ” synonyms: badly, ill adjective somewhat ill …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 poor•ly (pŏŏr′ lē), adv. in a poor manner or way: The team played poorly. adj. in poor health; somewhat ill: I hear she's …

1. having little money or property.

Definition of poorly adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the adverb poorly, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

If you call me a friend but treat others poorly, you’re likely not fit to be my friend. I don't condone disrespect or cruelty, because one day, I might be on the receiving end of it.