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Under the weather: meaning, definitions and examples

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under the weather

[ ˌʌndə ðə ˈwɛðər ]

Idiom

^{Context #1 | Idiom}

feeling unwell

Feeling slightly ill or sick. It is often used to describe minor illnesses like a cold or a headache.

Synonyms

ill, sick, unwell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
under the weather	Typically used in casual conversation to express feeling slightly unwell or not in optimal condition, without specifying a serious illness. I won't be coming to the meeting today; I'm feeling a bit under the weather. She's been under the weather since yesterday, maybe she caught a cold.
unwell	A more formal term used to describe a general sense of being unwell without specifying the severity. Can be used in both personal and professional settings. I'm feeling unwell and need to rest today. He had to leave work early because he was feeling unwell.
sick	Commonly used in American English to describe someone who is suffering from an illness. It often refers to less serious conditions, but can be used more broadly. I feel sick, I think I might have eaten something bad. She's been sick with the flu all week.
ill	More commonly used in British English to describe someone who is suffering from a sickness. It can refer to both minor and serious illnesses. He's been ill for a few days and hasn't been to work. I had to take my child to the doctor because she was feeling really ill.

Examples of usage

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
She's been under the weather all week.
His performance was affected because he was under the weather.

Translations

Translations of the word "under the weather" in other languages:

🇵🇹 indisposto

🇮🇳 बीमार

🇩🇪 nicht ganz auf der Höhe

🇮🇩 kurang sehat

🇺🇦 нездужати

🇵🇱 niewyraźnie

🇯🇵 体調が悪い

🇫🇷 ne pas être dans son assiette

🇪🇸 no sentirse bien

🇹🇷 kendini iyi hissetmemek

🇰🇷 몸이 안 좋다

🇸🇦 يشعر بتوعك

🇨🇿 necítit se dobře

🇸🇰 necítiť sa dobre

🇨🇳 感觉不舒服

🇸🇮 počutiti se slabo

🇮🇸 vera ekki í sínu besta formi

🇰🇿 өзін нашар сезіну

🇬🇪 ცუდად გრძნობა

🇦🇿 özünü pis hiss etmək

🇲🇽 sentirse mal

Etymology

The origin of the phrase 'under the weather' can be traced back to the British Royal Navy in the 19th century. When sailors became seasick, they were sent below deck, under the weather rail, to recover. The term gradually evolved to be used in a broader context to refer to feeling unwell or sick.