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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.

This was especially true for David Brainerd, a sickly and intensely pious missionary to native tribes in and around the Delaware River.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 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

Her long, white hair was matted and had a sickly yellowish tint.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Vocabulary lists containing sickly

Feeling Faint: Synonyms for "Weak"

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