Words / A1

un-WEL/ʌnˈwel/

Unwell means a little ill — a polite British word: she is unwell today; feel unwell; be unwell. Ill and sick are stronger or more general; sick can also mean you want to vomit. Well is the opposite (healthy). Do not use unwell for weather — that is wet or bad.

Meaning

A little ill; not well (British).

Examples

• “She is unwell today, so she is at home.”
• “I feel unwell, so I am going home.”
• “Tom is unwell and cannot come to class.”

Good to know

feel / be unwell (British, polite). Opposite: well. Contrast: sick, ill.

Near in meaning

ill

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