poorly crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "poorly" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you find the perfect fit and understand the nuances of the word.
Solutions for "poorly crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ILL: Often refers to being unwell or in a bad state of health, or to performing something unsatisfactorily.
5 Letters
BADLY: Directly means in a poor or inferior manner, or to a severe or detrimental extent.
6 Letters
FEEBLY: Implies weakness, lack of strength, or performing something in an ineffective or weak way.
UNWELL: A common synonym for feeling 'poorly' in terms of health, indicating a slight illness.
8 Letters
SHODDILY: Refers to something done in a cheap, careless, or poor quality manner, often used for construction or workmanship.
More About "poorly crossword clue"
The word "poorly" in crosswords can be a delightful challenge due to its dual nature. It can refer to a state of health, as in "feeling poorly," where synonyms like ILL or UNWELL are perfect fits. However, it can also describe the manner in which something is done, meaning "not well" or "inferiorly." This opens up a different set of answers such as BADLY or SHODDILY.
Understanding the context is key. If other clues in the puzzle hint at health, an answer related to illness is more likely. If the puzzle's theme involves construction, performance, or quality, then words describing poor execution would be more appropriate. Always consider the precise number of letters required, as this often narrows down the possibilities significantly.
Crossword setters love words like "poorly" because they allow for clever misdirection. A clue might seem straightforwardly about health, but the letter count could steer you towards a less obvious synonym related to quality or performance. This makes "poorly" a versatile clue that can test your vocabulary across different contexts.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always prioritize answers that perfectly match the number of letters in the grid. This is your most powerful filter.
- Consider Multiple Meanings: For ambiguous clues like "poorly," brainstorm all possible meanings of the word (e.g., health, quality, manner) before settling on an answer.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Don't force an answer. If an answer for "poorly" doesn't fit with the letters from intersecting clues, it's likely incorrect. Use these cross-references as vital checks.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes, thinking of the opposite of the clue, and then finding a word that describes that opposite poorly, can lead to the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many answers are there for the crossword clue 'poorly'?
The clue 'poorly' can have multiple answers depending on the required length and context. Common answers include ILL (3 letters), BADLY (5 letters), FEEBLY (6 letters), UNWELL (6 letters), and SHODDILY (9 letters). The specific answer depends on the number of letters required in your puzzle.
Does 'poorly' always refer to health in crosswords?
No, while 'poorly' often relates to health (e.g., ILL, UNWELL), it can also describe performance or quality (e.g., BADLY, SHODDILY, FEEBLY). Pay attention to the overall theme of the puzzle and other surrounding clues to determine the correct interpretation.
What's the best way to approach a crossword clue with multiple meanings like 'poorly'?
Start by considering the most common or direct synonyms that fit the letter count. If that doesn't yield a match, broaden your thinking to other contexts or definitions of the word. Cross-referencing with letters from intersecting clues is crucial for confirming your choice.