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.

The “Brat” pop star re-teams with her “360” and “Guess” music video director for a satire about struggling to ditch her sickly green branding.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

But it’s not wrong that the movement is starting to look a little sickly.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2025

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

Though her hair had been piled up, her skin still appeared lightly gray and sickly, her features human but gaunt.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Vocabulary lists containing sickly

Feeling Faint: Synonyms for "Weak"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

sickly

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing sickly

Feeling Faint: Synonyms for "Weak"