Definition

The most unhealthy or weak in appearance or condition.

Example

After weeks of illness, he looked the sickliest of all his friends.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you seen that new plant in the corner?

Yeah, it looks the sickliest of all my plants!

I can't believe it's hanging in there despite that.

Right? It somehow survives, but I think it needs more sunlight.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sickliest → It is formed from "sick" (from Old English *sēoc*, meaning ill or unwell) and the superlative suffix "-liest" (meaning most). The word "sickliest" means the most ill or unwell among others.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old English word for ill ('sēoc') and remember that 'sickliest' describes someone who is the most unwell.

Visually Confused Words