20 Other Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” (With Examples)

When you need to communicate that “I’m not feeling well” it’s important to choose your words thoughtfully. Using alternative expressions can help you convey your message professionally. For example, you might say, “I’m feeling unwell” or “I’m under the weather.” If you’re in a work environment, consider saying, “I’m not at my best today” or “I need to take a sick day.”

These phrases maintain professionalism while clearly expressing your situation. Additionally, mentioning specific symptoms can provide clarity, such as “I’m feeling poorly” or “I’m dealing with some health issues.” Whatever the phrase, ensure it reflects your genuine condition while remaining respectful.

is it Professional to Say: “I’m Not Feeling Well”

Saying “I’m not feeling well” can be professional, especially when you need to communicate your absence or reduced productivity due to health reasons. It’s a straightforward, respectful way to inform colleagues or supervisors without oversharing personal details.

However, for formal settings, using alternative expressions like “I’m under the weather” or “I’m not at my best” can sound more polished while conveying the same message.

What to Say Instead of “I’m Not Feeling Well”

• I’m Under the Weather
• I’m Feeling Off Today
• I’m Not at My Best
• I’m Feeling a Bit Ill
• I’m Not Up to Par
• I’m Out of Sorts
• I’m Feeling Poorly
• I’m Sick
• I’m Not Myself Today
• I’m a Bit Rundown
• I’m Feeling Under the Weather Today
• I’m Not Feeling 100%
• I’m a Little Off Today
• I’m Not Feeling Like Myself
• I’m Experiencing Some Discomfort
• I’m a Bit Under the Weather
• I’m Battling a Cold
• I’m Out of Commission
• I’m Feeling Weak
• I’m Dealing with a Bug

20 Alternative ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” (With Examples)

Here are 20 Alternative ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” (With Examples):

1. I’m Under the Weather

Starting with a classic, “I’m under the weather” is a widely recognized phrase that implies you’re not feeling your best without going into specific details. It’s a suitable choice for informal situations or even professional settings where you need to convey that you’re not in top shape.

Scenario Example (Email):
Subject: Out Sick Today
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I wanted to let you know that I’m feeling a bit under the weather today and will need to take the day off to rest. I’ll be back to work as soon as I’m able. Thanks for understanding.
Best,
[Your Name]

2. I’m Feeling Off Today

When you’re experiencing discomfort or just not feeling right, “I’m feeling off today” communicates that something is not quite right. It’s a casual yet effective way to explain how you’re feeling, often used when the symptoms are mild.

Scenario Example (Text Message):
Hey [Friend’s Name],
Just a heads up, I’m feeling off today, so I might skip our lunch plans. Let’s catch up later in the week?

3. I’m Not at My Best

If you need a more professional way to express your current state, “I’m not at my best” works well. It suggests that while you’re not entirely unwell, your performance or energy level might not meet your usual standards.

Scenario Example (Work Email):
Subject: Adjusting Deadlines Due to Health
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I wanted to inform you that I’m not at my best today and might not be able to complete the report by the end of the day. I’ll aim to get it done by tomorrow morning.
Regards,
[Your Name]

4. I’m Feeling a Bit Ill

This phrase clearly communicates that you’re feeling unwell, but adds a level of understatement with “a bit,” making it suitable for situations where the illness isn’t too severe.

Scenario Example (Voice Message):
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I just wanted to let you know that I’m feeling a bit ill and will be taking the rest of the day to recover. I’ll keep you updated if my condition changes.

5. I’m Not Up to Par

A phrase commonly used in professional settings, “I’m not up to par” implies that your current state of health is below standard, and it’s impacting your ability to function normally.

Scenario Example (Meeting):
I apologize if I seem a bit distracted today. I’m not up to par and trying my best to push through.

6. I’m Out of Sorts

“I’m out of sorts” is a way to convey that you’re feeling off-balance or slightly unwell, without sounding too serious. It can also imply an emotional or mental aspect to not feeling well.

Scenario Example (Chat Message):
Hey [Colleague’s Name],
I’m feeling a bit out of sorts today and may not be as responsive as usual. I’ll catch up on everything tomorrow.

7. I’m Feeling Poorly

Though not as commonly used in the U.S., “I’m feeling poorly” is still understood and conveys a mild illness. It’s a polite way to indicate that you need time to rest and recover.

Scenario Example (Email):
Subject: Sick Leave Request
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m feeling poorly today and would like to request a day off to recuperate. I appreciate your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

8. I’m Sick

Straightforward and to the point, saying “I’m sick” leaves no room for ambiguity. It’s suitable when you need to be direct, especially if your symptoms are more serious.

Scenario Example (Phone Call):
Hi [Friend’s Name],
I’m really sorry, but I won’t be able to make it tonight. I’m sick and just need to rest.

9. I’m Not Myself Today

This phrase implies that you’re feeling a little off physically or emotionally, indicating that your usual self is temporarily affected.

Scenario Example (Casual Conversation):
Honestly, I’m not myself today. I’ve been feeling strange since I woke up, so I might head home early.

10. I’m a Bit Rundown

When you’re exhausted or feeling like you need a break, “I’m a bit rundown” conveys fatigue, often due to overwork or stress. It implies that rest would help restore your energy.

Scenario Example (Slack Message):
Hey team,
Just a quick update I’m feeling a bit rundown and might log off early today. Let me know if there’s anything urgent.

Pro Tips for Effective Communication

• When expressing that you’re not feeling well in professional settings, choose phrases that match the level of formality required. For example, “I’m under the weather” or “I’m not at my best” can sound more tactful than simply saying, “I’m sick.”
• Use specific language when possible. Instead of just stating that you’re unwell, you can add context, like “I’m feeling rundown due to a cold.” It helps the recipient understand the situation better without oversharing.
• Always show consideration for the recipient. For instance, if notifying your boss about taking time off, express appreciation for their understanding.

10 More Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” (With Examples)

Here are 10 More Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” (With Examples):

11. I’m Feeling Under the Weather Today

Adding “today” gives the phrase a bit more context, indicating that it’s a temporary state. It’s a versatile way to express not being at your best without diving into the specifics of your condition.

Scenario Example (Work Email):
Subject: Out Sick Today
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’m feeling under the weather today and will need to take the day off to rest. I hope to be back to work tomorrow.
Best,
[Your Name]

12. I’m Not Feeling 100%

This phrase is a subtle way to communicate that you’re not quite up to your usual self. It’s a good option when you’re dealing with minor discomfort or illness but still trying to push through.

Scenario Example (Text Message):
Hey [Friend’s Name],
I’m not feeling 100% today, so I might not be able to join you at the gym. I’ll see how I feel later on.

13. I’m a Little Off Today

When you’re experiencing symptoms that aren’t very severe but still noticeable, “I’m a little off today” works well. It implies that while you’re functioning, you’re not doing so at your best.

Scenario Example (Chat Message):
Hi [Colleague’s Name],
Just a heads up I’m a little off today, so I may not be as quick to respond to emails. Let me know if you need anything urgently.

14. I’m Not Feeling Like Myself

This phrase conveys a sense of being both physically and mentally affected. It’s an appropriate way to describe feeling different or slightly unwell, possibly due to fatigue or stress.

Scenario Example (Voice Message):
Hi [Friend’s Name],
Just calling to let you know that I’m not feeling like myself today and might skip our plans for the evening. Let’s reschedule soon.

15. I’m Experiencing Some Discomfort

This expression is suitable for more formal communication, as it conveys the issue without sounding too casual. It implies that the discomfort is affecting your ability to perform as usual.

Scenario Example (Email):
Subject: Adjusted Deadlines Due to Health
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m experiencing some discomfort today, which might slow down my progress on the project. I’ll do my best to keep up.
Regards,
[Your Name]

16. I’m a Bit Under the Weather

By adding “a bit,” this phrase becomes even more casual and indicates that you’re slightly unwell. It’s a more relaxed way of saying you’re not feeling well, without sounding too serious.

Scenario Example (Phone Call):
Hey [Family Member’s Name],
I’m a bit under the weather, so I won’t be able to make it to dinner tonight. I’ll call you when I’m feeling better.

17. I’m Battling a Cold

If you’re dealing with something specific like a cold, this phrase is useful. It lets the person know exactly what’s causing your health issues, which can help them understand your condition better.

Scenario Example (Work Email):
Subject: Sick Leave Request
Hi [Boss’s Name],
I’m battling a cold and won’t be able to come in today. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

18. I’m Out of Commission

This phrase conveys that you’re not able to function at all due to illness, and it’s often used in more informal settings. It suggests that you need some time off to recover completely.

Scenario Example (Slack Message):
Hey [Team Member’s Name],
Just wanted to let you know I’m out of commission today and won’t be able to attend the team meeting. Please share any important updates with me when I’m back.

19. I’m Feeling Weak

“I’m feeling weak” is a simple and effective way to communicate low energy or exhaustion. It’s suitable for situations where fatigue is a primary symptom.

Scenario Example (Text Message):
Hey [Friend’s Name],
I’m feeling weak and might need to rest today instead of going out. Let’s catch up later this week?

20. I’m Dealing with a Bug

A colloquial way to express “I’m not feeling well” is to say, “I’m dealing with a bug.” This phrase often refers to a minor illness, particularly when the exact nature of the ailment isn’t clear or when it’s something temporary.

Scenario Example (Email):
Subject: Sick Day
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I’m dealing with a bug and will be taking today off. I’ll do my best to catch up on work once I’m back. Thanks for your understanding.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Pro Tips for Communicating Illness

• When you need to explain that you’re not feeling well to someone in a formal setting, opt for phrases that still sound professional while conveying the message, such as “I’m experiencing some discomfort” or “I’m not at my best.”
• Adding time frames like “today” or “this morning” can help make the situation feel temporary, reassuring the recipient that it’s a short-term issue.
• Use clear language and be considerate of the context when explaining your condition. Avoid overly dramatic phrases unless you’re in an informal setting where humor or exaggerated language is acceptable.

Frequently Asked Question

What is another way to say I am not feeling well?

Another way to say “I am not feeling well” is “I’m feeling unwell.”

How do I tell I’m not feeling well?

You can tell someone you’re not feeling well by saying:

1. “I’m feeling unwell.”
2. “I’m under the weather.”
3. “I’m not at my best today.”
4. “I’m feeling a bit off.”
5. “I’m not feeling great.”

Choose a phrase that feels comfortable for you, depending on the context.

How can I say I don’t feel well?

You can say “I don’t feel well” in different ways, such as:

1. I’m feeling unwell.
2. I’m not feeling great.
3. I’m a bit under the weather.
4. I’m feeling a bit off.
5. I’m not at my best.
6. I’m experiencing some discomfort.
7. I’m feeling poorly.
8. I’m not myself today.
9. I’m feeling a little sick.
10. I’m not feeling up to par.

How do I professionally say I’m sick?

To professionally say you’re sick, you might use phrases like, “I’m feeling unwell,” “I’m not feeling my best today,” or “I’m experiencing some health issues.” You could also say, “I’m unable to attend due to health reasons,” or “I need to take a sick day.” If you’re informing a colleague or supervisor, consider saying, “I’m under the weather and will need to rest,” or “I’m not at my best today and may require some time to recover.” These expressions maintain professionalism while clearly communicating your situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, expressing that “I’m not feeling well” doesn’t always have to sound the same. Using different phrases allows you to communicate your situation more tactfully or professionally, whether in a casual chat or a formal setting.

Choosing the right words can make a big difference in how your message is received. Remember, it’s important to convey your health status clearly while maintaining professionalism, so you can focus on recovery without added stress.