Sickly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sickly

[ˈsɪkli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling unwell

Easily upset by the sight of blood, she grew sickly at the sight of the accident. He had a sickly complexion and always seemed to be catching colds. The sickly child needed constant care and attention.

Synonyms

ailing, pale, unhealthy, unwell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sickly	Describes someone who often appears to be ill or frail. It can be used to describe appearance or general health condition. Her sickly complexion worried her friends The plant looked sickly and wilted
unhealthy	Can describe someone or something that is not in a good state of health, often linked to lifestyle choices or environmental factors. Eating too many sweets is unhealthy The air quality in the city is unhealthy, causing many residents to cough
ailing	Typically used to describe someone who is ill, especially for a long time, or an entity like a company that is struggling to perform well. His ailing health kept him bedridden for weeks The ailing company needed a new strategy to survive
unwell	General term to describe someone feeling sick or not in good health, usually in a temporary sense. I’m feeling unwell today and might need to see a doctor He looked unwell and decided to stay home from work
pale	Often used to describe someone's complexion, indicating they may be feeling unwell, scared, or shocked. She went pale when she heard the news After spending so much time indoors, he looked pale and tired

Examples of usage

She looked sickly and pale.
The sickly smell of the flowers made her feel nauseous.
His sickly appearance worried his friends.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

weak or fragile

The sickly plant struggled to survive in the harsh environment. The old house had a sickly appearance with peeling paint and cracked windows. Her sickly voice betrayed her nervousness.

Synonyms

delicate, fragile, frail, weak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sickly	This word is often used to describe someone who frequently falls ill or appears unhealthy. It can carry a negative connotation. She looks so sickly after her long illness. He's always been a sickly child, prone to colds and fevers.
fragile	Fragile is used to describe something that is easily broken or damaged. It can also be applied to describe someone's emotional state being sensitive. The glass sculpture is incredibly fragile. After the argument, she felt emotionally fragile.
weak	Weak can describe someone or something that lacks strength, power, or energy. It is a general term and can be used in various contexts, including physical strength, emotional resilience, or effectiveness. After the surgery, he felt too weak to stand. Her argument was weak and unconvincing.
delicate	This word is typically used to describe someone or something that is easily broken or damaged, or someone who needs careful treatment. It can also refer to a refined sensitivity. Please handle the antique vase with care; it's very delicate. She has a delicate constitution and can't handle stress well.
frail	This word often describes someone, especially an elderly person, who is physically weak or feeble. It can also be used more generally for something weak. The old man is frail and needs assistance to walk. Her frail health prevents her from traveling.

Examples of usage

The sickly tree drooped from lack of water.
The sickly kitten mewed pitifully.
His sickly constitution made him susceptible to illness.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

Sickly can refer to chronic conditions that cause fatigue or illness, leading to a pale or dull appearance.
Environmental factors, like poor nutrition or living conditions, can make individuals appear sickly.
In medicine, the term 'sickly' can describe symptoms of various illnesses, prompting a closer look at underlying health issues.

Literature

Authors often use 'sickly' to convey sadness or weakness in characters, enhancing emotional depth.
In fairy tales, sickly characters may represent vulnerability or the need for care, drawing empathy from the audience.
In poetry, the imagery of sickly plants symbolizes decay or loss, enriching the themes of mortality.

Cultural Perception

In some cultures, a sickly appearance might be associated with misfortune or bad luck.
The aesthetic of sickliness has been romanticized in art, illustrating beauty in fragility.
Fashion and pop culture occasionally embrace a sickly look, highlighting contrasts between health and artistic expression.

Psychology

Feeling sickly can affect mental health, leading to feelings of depression or anxiety due to persistent ill health.
Cognitive behavioral therapy often helps individuals manage perceptions of illness-related anxieties.
Children exposed to illness might develop a sickly perception of health, influencing their behavior and stress responses.

Origin of 'sickly'

Main points about word origin

The word 'sickly' comes from the word 'sick,' which originated from the Old English 'sēoc', meaning ill or weak.
The '-ly' suffix indicates a quality, turning 'sick' into an adjective that describes something that has the nature of being sick.
The use of 'sickly' dates back to the late 14th century, originally describing someone frequently falling ill.

The word 'sickly' originated from the Middle English word 'sikel', which meant 'having a tendency to become ill'. It has been used to describe someone who is frequently unwell or has a weak constitution. Over time, 'sickly' has evolved to also describe things that are weak, fragile, or in poor condition.

See also: sick, sickbay, sicken, sickness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,527, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14524 easing
14525 parody
14526 praising
14527 sickly
14528 lurking
14529 stimulant
14530 rationing
...