unwell

Everyday

Ill or sick; not feeling healthy: "I feel unwell." tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and at school, pupils tell an adult when they feel unwell; the school may call a parent. In health lessons, pupils learn to stay home when unwell to avoid spreading germs. Phrases: feel unwell, look unwell, be taken unwell.

Examples

• I feel unwell; can I see the school nurse? tree →
• Tom stayed at home because he was unwell. tree →
• Grandpa looked unwell, so we called the doctor. tree →
• If you are unwell, rest and drink water. tree →
• She was taken unwell during the trip. tree →
• Tell an adult straight away if you feel unwell. tree →
• A second time spake Koshchei and said, "I feel rather unwell." tree →

Note

Usually used after verbs like "be", "feel", "look": "She feels unwell", not "an unwell girl" (though this is sometimes heard). It is a softer, more polite word than "sick" or "ill". Safety: tell an adult if you feel unwell; do not take medicine on your own.