Sickly

Sickly describes something or someone that is frequently ill, prone to illness, or appearing to be in poor health. It can refer to a person's physical condition, conveying weakness, paleness, or a generally unwell appearance. Additionally, sickly can be used to describe things that are suggestive of illness or that produce a feeling of being unwell, such as an unpleasant odor, or a faded color that is 'sickly' yellow. In a figurative sense, sickly can also describe something weak, feeble, or lacking vitality. It can describe an anemic style of writing, a sentimental movie, or a weak business plan. The term often carries a sense of pity or concern.

Sickly meaning with examples

• The child had a sickly complexion and was often kept home from school due to recurring colds and fevers, a constant worry for her parents. She looked noticeably paler than usual, and her cough lingered despite her doctor's best efforts. Her frail frame made her seem even more vulnerable in the chilly autumn weather. Despite her best efforts, her health remained poor.
• The old house had a sickly scent of mildew and dampness that permeated the air, making visitors feel slightly queasy. It was a smell reminiscent of stagnant water. The air seemed thick and heavy. The once vibrant wallpaper had a sickly green hue. The owner considered the house an eyesore.
• Her sickly, overly sentimental novel was filled with cliché characters and predictable plot twists, failing to capture the reader's attention. The reviews of her book suggested it was poorly written and lacked any interesting insights. The critics called it sentimental and insincere. It seemed as though the writer had not fully understood the craft.
• The plant's leaves were turning a sickly yellow, a clear indication that it wasn't getting enough sunlight or water, and the gardener was concerned. The plant needed some immediate attention if it had any chance of survival. The owner made changes quickly to change its prospects. It became increasingly clear the plant needed help to survive.
• The company's financial projections for the next quarter painted a sickly picture of declining sales and increasing debts, causing concern among investors. It was a precarious situation the company was in. Share prices dipped as a result. Without a strong course change, it seemed the company was doomed.