Is under-the-weather formal or informal?

It is neutral to informal. It works well in speech and everyday writing.

Is under-the-weather the same as sick?

Not exactly. Under-the-weather usually means only a little sick or unwell.

Can I use under-the-weather in business writing?

Yes, but only in a casual message. For formal writing, use unwell or unfit.

Does under-the-weather mean sad?

Usually no. It mainly means physically unwell, though it can mean slightly low in mood.

← Dictionary

under-the-weather

/ˌʌn.də.ðəˈweð.ə/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Feeling a little sick or weak, but not seriously ill. It is also used when someone feels tired, low, or not quite well.

I'm feeling under the weather today.
She looked under the weather after the meeting.
I may stay home; I feel under the weather.

Adinary Nuance

Under-the-weather is milder than sick, ill, or unwell. People use it when they do not want to sound too serious. It can also describe a slightly bad mood, but the physical meaning is more common.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hơi mệt
Spanish: algo indispuesto
Chinese: 有点不舒服
Japanese: 少し具合が悪い
Korean: 몸이 좀 안 좋다

Etymology

This phrase appears in English from the early 1800s. Its exact origin is unclear, but it may come from sailors feeling sick in bad weather.

Common phrases

feel under the weathera bit under the weatherlook under the weather

Synonyms

unwell ill sick off-colour

Related words

flu fatigued headache rest

Frequently asked questions

Is under-the-weather formal or informal?: It is neutral to informal. It works well in speech and everyday writing.
Is under-the-weather the same as sick?: Not exactly. Under-the-weather usually means only a little sick or unwell.
Can I use under-the-weather in business writing?: Yes, but only in a casual message. For formal writing, use unwell or unfit.
Does under-the-weather mean sad?: Usually no. It mainly means physically unwell, though it can mean slightly low in mood.