How to pronounce poorly
Say it like POOR-lee. Poorly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POOR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈpurli/POOR-lee
UK British/ˈpʊəli/POOR-lee
- POOR
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Poorly pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of poorly
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: POOR-lee.
What does poorly mean?
adverb
- In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.“to live poorly”
- With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.“to do poorly in business”
- Meanly; without spirit.
- Ill, unwell, sick.“to report one's child poorly”
Where does poorly come from?
From Middle English poorly, pouerly, poreliche, poureliche, pouerliche, equivalent to poor + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying poorly
How do you pronounce poorly?
Say POOR-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈpurli/. In British English it is /ˈpʊəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in poorly?
Poorly has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POOR). Broken into parts: POOR · lee.
Is poorly pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpʊəli/ (POOR-lee).