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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.

He did his best to amputate above the sickly parts in the hope of saving the patient’s life.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 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

While the series is very much up for grabs, Tuesday’s loss makes one thing very sickly certain.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2025

Even before ICE got him, he had been sickly.

From Slate • Oct. 27, 2025

And it’s not the sickly smell of hospital.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen