Sickly: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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.

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.

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.