• (RP) IPA: /ˈpʊəli/, /ˈpɔːli/
• (America) IPA: /ˈpʊɹli/, /ˈpɔɹli/

From Middle English poorly, pouerly, poreliche, poureliche, pouerliche, equivalent to poor + -ly.

poorly (comparative poorlier, superlative poorliest)

1. In a poor manner or condition; without plenty, or sufficiency, or suitable provision for comfort.

   to live poorly

2. With little or no success; indifferently; with little profit or advantage.

   to do poorly in business

3. Meanly; without spirit.
   • 1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of Wonders, 1666. […], London: […] Henry Herringman, […], →OCLC ↗, (please specify the stanza number):

     Nor is their courage or their wealth so low, / That from his wars they poorly would retire.

4. Without skill or merit.

   He plays tennis poorly.

5. In a negative manner; with disapproval.

   I think poorly of them.

   She looked poorly on that suggestion.

From poor + -ly.

poorly (comparative poorlier, superlative poorliest)

1. (UK) Ill, unwell, sick.

   to report one's child poorly

• See also Thesaurus:diseased