What does "under the weather" mean?

To feel sick, unwell, or not quite right. To be slightly ill but not seriously so. To feel off or below your normal energy level. The origin is nautical - sailors who were ill were sent below deck away from the weather. Modern use is broader - it can mean mild illness, general malaise, or emotional unwellness.

Natives use this constantly because it's a gentle, socially acceptable way to describe illness without being dramatic. Unlike "I'm seriously ill" (which sounds severe) or "I'm fine" (which sounds dishonest when you're not), "I'm under the weather" is honest but low-key. It's useful in professional contexts where you want to explain absence or reduced productivity without oversharing.

You email your manager: "I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, but I'll try to work from home and catch up on emails." This explains reduced capacity without providing medical details.

Your friend invites you out, but you're not feeling great. You say, "I'm under the weather - can we reschedule for next week?" Simple explanation that respects their time.

In a professional communication: "The meeting attendee is currently under the weather and sends apologies for missing today's session." Diplomatic and professional phrasing.

• Sick: More direct and serious-sounding. "Sick" suggests more significant illness than "under the weather."
• Unwell: Similar meaning, slightly more formal and medical-sounding.
• Feel off: More casual than "under the weather." "Feel off" is less specific about being ill.

• Using it for serious illness: "I'm under the weather" shouldn't be used when you're seriously ill. Say "I'm very ill" or "I'm seriously unwell."
• Forgetting the mildness: The phrase implies minor illness. Using it for major health issues sounds dismissive.
• Overusing it as excuse: It's acceptable occasionally, but frequent "I'm under the weather" excuses raise questions.

Usually in present tense: "I'm feeling under the weather." Past: "I was under the weather yesterday." Can use without "feeling": "I'm under the weather" is more common than "I feel under the weather." Rarely used future: "I'll be under the weather tomorrow" sounds odd. Used predicatively: "I'm under the weather," not "I'm an under-the-weather person."

Very casual and friendly. Works in all contexts from professional to personal. Common in emails, text messages, and conversations. Non-alarmist and socially acceptable tone.

[sick], [unwell], [ill]