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

Leo Damrosch traces Stevenson’s life from sickly student in 19th-century Edinburgh through his enormous literary success—a career characterized by a joyfully industrious work ethic, a love of travel and a sparkling, warm wit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 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

Even before ICE got him, he had been sickly.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

Robert Hooke was a sickly child who was not expected to live.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin

Vocabulary lists containing sickly

Feeling Faint: Synonyms for "Weak"

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sickly

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing sickly

Feeling Faint: Synonyms for "Weak"