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Definitions

sickly

[sik-lee] / ˈsɪk li /
ADJECTIVE
not healthy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ailing cranky feeble infirm lackluster
WEAK
below par bilious delicate diseased down dragging faint in poor health indisposed laid low languid low mean off-color out of action out of shape pallid peaked peaky pining poorly rocky run down seedy sickish unhealthy wan weak
Antonyms
STRONGEST
healthy hearty sound strong
WEAK
fine well
ADJECTIVE
revolting
Synonyms
STRONGEST
morose
WEAK
bilious cloying insalubrious mawkish morbid nauseating noisome noxious sick unwholesome
Antonyms
WEAK
fine nice wholesome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Smog compromised the health of kids and the sickly and the elderly.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

But the team doesn’t just apply a flattering touch-up to sickly markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

Smith was a sickly child, contracting bronchial pneumonia, tuberculosis, German measles, mumps and chicken pox which kept her in "periods of lengthy bed rest".

From BBC • Nov. 4, 2025

Even before ICE got him, he had been sickly.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

This close it’s easier to see details, like the ragged red ribbons at the ends of her braids and her sickly yellow eyes.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.