IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
under the weather
idiomˌʌndə ðə ˈweðəBand 7
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
“under the weather” is a Band 7 idiom that means slightly unwell. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
Slightly unwell.
Example sentences
- “I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.”
- “He's been under the weather all week.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
unwellpoorlyoff-colour
Antonyms
in good healthfit as a fiddle
Collocations & common phrases
Collocations
feel under the weather
Common phrases
under the weather
Related idioms
under the weatheras fit as a fiddle
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “under the weather” mean?
Slightly unwell.
How do you use “under the weather” in a sentence?
For example: “I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.”
What are some synonyms for “under the weather”?
Synonyms include unwell, poorly, off-colour.
Is “under the weather” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 7 vocabulary, and collocations such as feel under the weather help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.