What's a better way of saying "not feeling well"?: 50+ alternatives for any situation

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to communication experts, choosing the right words to describe your health can be challenging and often depends on context. This guide explores what's a better way of saying "not feeling well" across various social and professional contexts, helping you communicate with clarity, authenticity, and confidence without oversharing.

Quick Summary

Conveying you feel unwell depends heavily on the context and your audience, with options ranging from polite and formal—like 'feeling under the weather'—to more specific and direct phrases for closer relationships or professional settings, ensuring clarity without oversharing.

Key Points

Context is King: The best phrase depends on your audience, whether it's your boss, a friend, or a family member.
Clarity and Brevity in Formal Settings: In professional environments, be direct and brief, avoiding excessive detail about your symptoms.
Embrace Alternatives for Mental Health: Use phrases like 'mental health day' or 'feeling overwhelmed' to communicate a need for psychological rest.
Consider Cultural Nuances: Some phrases might be common in one region (e.g., 'feeling rough' in the UK) but less so elsewhere.
Match Specificity to Your Audience: Be more detailed with close friends and family, but keep it general with colleagues or in formal settings.

Mastering the Art of Explaining You're Unwell

Sometimes, the phrase “not feeling well” feels insufficient or vague. Whether you're telling your boss you can't make it to work, explaining to a friend why you're missing an event, or simply expressing your state to a family member, the right words can make a difference. This article provides a comprehensive list of alternatives, organized by context, to help you communicate effectively and appropriately.

Formal and Professional Alternatives

In a workplace setting, professionalism and brevity are key. You don't need to share your symptoms in detail. These phrases get the message across respectfully.

Concise and Direct

I am unable to come into work today due to illness.
I woke up feeling unwell and need to take a sick day.
I won't be able to make it to the office today.
I'm recovering from a minor procedure and will be taking the day off.

Polite and Mild

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
I'm not at my best health-wise and need to rest.
I've come down with something and think it's best I stay home.
I'm not feeling 100% today.

Informal and Casual Alternatives

With friends, family, or close acquaintances, you can be more relaxed and descriptive. The goal is to be understood without causing undue alarm.

General and Gentle

I'm feeling a bit off.
I'm feeling a little low today.
I'm out of sorts.
I think I'm coming down with something.
I've been feeling run down lately.

More Descriptive

I've got a bug.
My head is killing me (for a severe headache).
I feel like I've been hit by a truck.
My stomach is upset.
I'm feeling queasy.

Expressing Mental Health Struggles

In recent years, it has become more acceptable to acknowledge mental health days. Honesty can foster a supportive environment without needing to provide sensitive details.

I need to take a mental health day to recharge.
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some time off.
I'm not in the right headspace to be productive today.
I need a day for myself to focus on my well-being.

Phrases for Specific Symptoms

Sometimes, it's necessary or helpful to be more specific. Here are some examples for common ailments:

For a Cold or Flu: “I've got a bad cold,” “I'm battling the flu,” or “My allergies are really acting up.”
For Digestive Issues: “I'm dealing with a stomach bug,” “I have an upset stomach,” or “I can't keep anything down.”
For Exhaustion: “I'm completely drained,” “I'm exhausted,” or “I feel physically and mentally worn out.”
For Aches and Pains: “I'm dealing with some aches and pains,” “My back is acting up,” or “I have a headache.”

Formal vs. Informal Phrases: A Comparison


Context	Formal Phrases	Informal Phrases
Work	I am feeling unwell and will be off today.	I've got a bug and won't be in.
Friend	I regret I cannot make it tonight, as I'm unwell.	Can't make it, feeling rough.
Family	I'm not feeling well enough to join you for dinner.	Feeling a bit sick, staying in tonight.
Online/Text	I'm taking a day to recuperate.	Just feeling off, maybe tomorrow.
General	I'm not feeling 100%.	I'm a bit out of sorts.

How to Communicate Your Needs

Beyond the words you choose, how you communicate your need for rest is important. The best approach is often simple and direct.

State your intention clearly: Don't beat around the bush. Say, “I won't be in today because I'm unwell.”
Provide a plan (if needed): If you are able, mention who is covering for you or if you will be available for urgent matters. For example, “I've asked Jane to cover for me today.”
Avoid excessive detail: Most people don't need or want a blow-by-blow account of your symptoms. Keep it brief and focused on your inability to work. A detailed explanation can sometimes come across as defensive or attention-seeking.
Thank them for their understanding: A simple thank you can go a long way in maintaining a good rapport. “Thank you for your understanding” is a professional and courteous way to end the conversation.

If you have concerns about your health, consulting a medical professional is always the right step. For more information on general health topics, you can read reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

Knowing what's a better way of saying "not feeling well" allows you to communicate effectively while maintaining your privacy and professionalism. The right phrase can depend on your relationship with the person you are speaking to, the seriousness of your condition, and the level of detail you wish to share. By mastering these alternatives, you can express your needs clearly, respectfully, and with confidence, ensuring you get the rest you need without any unnecessary stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

A polite and professional way is to say, "I am unable to come into work today due to illness." You can also say, "I woke up feeling unwell and will be taking a sick day." This is clear, concise, and doesn't overshare details.

For a friend, you can use more relaxed phrases like, "I'm feeling a bit off," "I'm a little out of sorts," or "I think I'm coming down with something." This conveys your state without being too formal.

Yes, 'I'm feeling under the weather' is a classic and polite idiom often used in professional settings to describe a mild illness. It's a safe and respectful option that avoids specifics.

For mental health, you can say, "I need to take a mental health day to recharge" or "I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some time off." These phrases are increasingly accepted and understood.

Unless you are specifically asked for more information or it's a critical, contagious issue, it's best to avoid providing detailed symptoms. Your employer primarily needs to know that you are not fit for work, not the specific details of your illness.

In a text, you can keep it brief and to the point. Options include: "Woke up feeling unwell, staying home," "Not feeling 100% today," or "Can't make it, feeling rough." The context of your relationship with the recipient will determine the best choice.

Use mild and non-alarming phrases like "I'm not feeling 100%" or "I think I'm coming down with something." For serious concerns, stating that you're seeking medical advice can be reassuring without providing unsettling details.