different between poorly vs failing

English

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?p??li/, /?p??li/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?p??li/, /?p??li/
• Rhymes: -??(?)li, -??(?)li

Etymology 1

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

Adverb

poorly (comparative poorlier or more poorly, superlative poorliest or most poorly)

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.

   • 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.

Usage notes

• Verbs to which "poorly" is often applied as an adverb to suggest insufficiency or inadequacy: planned, conceived, executed, implemented, performing, managed, controlled, designed, represented, differentiated, suited, built, dressed, soluble, ventilated, known, paid, used etc.

Example: Putting a Clif bar in a Magic Bullet will end poorly.

Etymology 2

From poor +? -ly.

Adjective

poorly (not comparable)

1. ill, unwell, sick

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:diseased

Translations

Anagrams

• pyloro-

English

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA^(key): /?fe?.l??/
• Rhymes: -e?l??

Verb

failing

1. present participle of fail

Noun

failing (plural failings)

1. weakness; defect

   His worst failing is his temper.

Translations

Preposition

failing

1. if the preferred or prior option is not possible

   A large proportion of the females employed in other firms are said to have signified their intention of going on strike, failing a settlement.

Translations