“When you’re unwell, you might need to communicate it in a professional and tactful way.”
When you’re under the weather, it’s challenging to convey your condition without sounding too formal or vague. If you’re writing a professional email, communicating with colleagues, or informing your boss, knowing how to express that you’re not feeling well is essential.
Instead of simply saying, “I am not feeling well,” it’s helpful to have different ways to convey your message with clarity and compassion. This blog will guide you through 35 alternative ways to express that you’re unwell, ensuring your emails sound thoughtful and polite.
In this article, we’ll explore various helpful and effective alternatives to the phrase “I am not feeling well.” These alternatives range from casual and friendly to professional and polite, allowing you to tailor your message to your audience.
When you’re drafting an email to a coworker, a supervisor, or a client, you’ll find helpful and diverse options for expressing your current health status. The goal is to help you convey your message effectively while maintaining professionalism and respect for the recipient’s time.
Understanding the nuances of how to phrase your health status in an email can make a significant difference in how your message is received. This guide will not only provide alternative phrases but also real-world scenarios, tips, and context for each. By the end of this post, you’ll have the right words to ensure your email sounds just the way you intend, no matter the situation.
35 Other Ways to Say “I Am Not Feeling Well” in an Email
1. “I’m under the weather.”
Scenario: You’re emailing your coworker, Daniel Brown, to inform him that you’re feeling unwell but still plan to complete your tasks later.
Subject Explanation: “I’m under the weather today, so I’ll need some time to rest. I’ll catch up on things once I feel better.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is commonly used and sounds informal. It’s best used with colleagues you know well.
2. “I’m feeling a bit off today.”
Scenario: You might be emailing your manager, Laura Smith, to inform her that you’re not feeling 100%.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Laura, I’m feeling a bit off today, so I might need to adjust my schedule. I’ll keep you updated.”
Additional Tip: This is a good middle-ground option that doesn’t sound too casual but isn’t overly formal either.
3. “I’m not feeling my best today.”
Scenario: You’re informing a client, Richard Davis, that you’re unable to attend a meeting because you’re unwell.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Richard, I’m not feeling my best today, so I’d like to reschedule our meeting. Let me know your availability.”
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you need to sound polite yet professional.
4. “I’m a bit under the weather.”
Scenario: Emailing a colleague, Sarah Green, to let her know you’re feeling unwell and might be delayed in responding.
Subject Explanation: “Hey Sarah, I’m a bit under the weather today and may take longer to respond. Thanks for understanding!”
Additional Tip: This phrase is commonly used in both personal and professional settings, making it versatile.
5. “I’m not feeling great at the moment.”
Scenario: You need to let your supervisor, Michael White, know that you’re feeling ill and might need to take the day off.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Michael, I’m not feeling great at the moment, so I may need to rest for the day. I’ll keep you posted.”
Additional Tip: This is a straightforward way of expressing that you’re unwell, suitable for work emails.
6. “I’m dealing with something today.”
Scenario: You’re emailing your team, including John Clark, explaining that you’re dealing with an illness and can’t be as responsive as usual.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Team, I’m dealing with something today, so I might be slow to respond. I’ll catch up soon.”
Additional Tip: This works well when you want to be vague but still inform others that you’re unwell.
7. “I’ve caught a bug.”
Scenario: Informing a client, Lisa Turner, that you’ve caught a bug and will need to reschedule your meeting.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Lisa, I’ve caught a bug, and I’m not feeling well. I’ll have to reschedule our meeting. Let me know a good time.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is a bit more casual and should be used with people you have a familiar relationship with.
8. “I’m feeling a little unwell.”
Scenario: Emailing your professor, Dr. Evans, to explain that you won’t be attending class because you’re unwell.
Subject Explanation: “Dear Dr. Evans, I’m feeling a little unwell and won’t be able to attend class today. I’ll catch up on the materials later.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is polite and formal enough for academic settings.
9. “I’m feeling under the weather today.”
Scenario: Sending a quick message to a colleague, Emma Roberts, letting her know you’re not feeling well and might be slower to complete tasks.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Emma, I’m feeling under the weather today, so I might need some extra time to finish my work.”
Additional Tip: This is another friendly and approachable phrase that works well in informal settings.
10. “I’m not feeling 100% today.”
Scenario: Sending a message to your boss, Alex Brooks, to inform him that you’re a bit off and might need to leave early.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Alex, I’m not feeling 100% today and might need to leave a bit early. I’ll keep you posted.”
Additional Tip: Use this phrase to express that you’re slightly ill but still able to work.
11. “I’m feeling a little out of sorts.”
Scenario: Emailing your teammate, Samantha Lee, to explain that you’re feeling ill and may not be as responsive.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Samantha, I’m feeling a little out of sorts today, so I may not be as quick to respond. I’ll catch up soon.”
Additional Tip: This is a more casual and slightly more specific way of describing feeling unwell.
12. “I’m feeling a little off-balance.”
Scenario: You’re telling your friend, Robert King, that you’re not feeling well enough to attend an event.
Subject Explanation: “Hey Robert, I’m feeling a little off-balance today, so I’ll have to skip out on the event.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is appropriate for informal communication with friends or family.
13. “I’m feeling under the weather today.”
Scenario: Notifying your coworker, Olivia Scott, that you’re feeling ill and might not be able to complete your tasks.
Subject Explanation: “Hey Olivia, I’m feeling under the weather today and might not be able to meet the deadlines. I’ll do my best to catch up.”
Additional Tip: This is a straightforward phrase that can be used in both professional and casual emails.
14. “I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish.”
Scenario: You need to inform your manager, John Miller, that you’re feeling off today and might need to rest.
Subject Explanation: “Hi John, I’ve been feeling a bit sluggish today, so I’m going to take it easy. I’ll keep you updated.”
Additional Tip: This is ideal for situations when you’re not severely ill but still feel unwell.
15. “I’m battling a cold.”
Scenario: You’re informing a colleague, Rachel Carter, that you’re feeling sick and might need to reschedule a meeting.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Rachel, I’m battling a cold and may need to reschedule our meeting. Let me know when you’re available.”
Additional Tip: This is a specific phrase to use when you have a cold or similar mild illness.
16. “I’m feeling quite poorly.”
Scenario: You’re emailing your friend, Jennifer Brown, to let her know that you’re not feeling well and won’t be able to make it to dinner.
Subject Explanation: “Hey Jennifer, I’m feeling quite poorly today, so I’ll need to cancel our dinner plans.”
Additional Tip: This is a more formal way to express feeling ill, typically used in UK English.
17. “I’m recovering from an illness.”
Scenario: Informing your supervisor, David Wilson, that you’re still recovering from an illness and will need a bit more time.
Subject Explanation: “Hi David, I’m recovering from an illness and will need a little more time to complete my work.”
Additional Tip: This phrase sounds more professional and can be used in a formal work setting.
18. “I’m feeling a bit fatigued.”
Scenario: Sending an email to your colleague, Emily Hall, explaining that you’re feeling tired and may need some rest.
Subject Explanation: “Hey Emily, I’m feeling a bit fatigued today and will need to take it slow. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is best used when you’re feeling tired rather than seriously ill.
19. “I’m experiencing some health issues.”
Scenario: Emailing your client, Mark Young, to let him know you’re not feeling well and may need to delay a project.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Mark, I’m experiencing some health issues and may need to delay the project. I’ll get back to you with an updated timeline.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is formal and can be used in both work and client-facing emails.
20. “I’m feeling a little rundown.”
Scenario: Telling your coworker, Grace Adams, that you’re feeling exhausted and may need to rest for the day.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Grace, I’m feeling a little rundown today, so I’ll need to take a break. I’ll let you know if I’m feeling better later.”
Additional Tip: This works well when you’re feeling worn out and need to inform others that you may not be as productive.
21. “I’m feeling a little ill today.”
Scenario: You’re emailing your boss, Nathan Thompson, to let him know that you’re not feeling well and might not make it to the meeting.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Nathan, I’m feeling a little ill today, so I might not be able to make it to the meeting. Let me know if we need to reschedule.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is simple and clear, making it ideal for most professional settings.
22. “I’m feeling under the weather today.”
Scenario: Letting your colleague, Sarah Taylor, know that you’re not feeling well and will be taking the day off.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Sarah, I’m feeling under the weather today and will need to take the day off. I’ll check in tomorrow.”
Additional Tip: This is another versatile phrase that works well in both formal and informal contexts.
23. “I’m experiencing some discomfort.”
Scenario: You’re sending an email to a client, Henry Evans, to inform him that you’re feeling unwell and might need more time to deliver a report.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Henry, I’m experiencing some discomfort and may need a little extra time to finish the report.”
Additional Tip: This phrase can sound more formal and professional, so it’s suitable for business contexts.
24. “I’m feeling off today.”
Scenario: You’re informing a colleague, Michael Green, that you’re feeling unwell and will need to reschedule your meeting.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Michael, I’m feeling off today and may need to reschedule our meeting. I’ll check in soon.”
Additional Tip: This is a casual and approachable way to express that you’re unwell.
25. “I’m not feeling up to it today.”
Scenario: Letting your friend, Kelly Johnson, know that you’re not feeling well enough to go out.
Subject Explanation: “Hey Kelly, I’m not feeling up to it today. Can we reschedule?”
Additional Tip: This phrase is informal, so it’s perfect for friends or family.
26. “I’m feeling weak today.”
Scenario: Informing your manager, David Richards, that you’re not feeling strong enough to complete your work.
Subject Explanation: “Hi David, I’m feeling weak today, so I may need to take it easy.”
Additional Tip: This is a straightforward way to describe feeling physically unwell.
27. “I’m not feeling like myself.”
Scenario: Sending an email to your colleague, Alice Morgan, explaining that you’re not feeling well enough to continue working.
Subject Explanation: “Hey Alice, I’m not feeling like myself today, so I’ll need to take some time to recover.”
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you’re feeling off but not necessarily sick.
28. “I’m struggling with my health today.”
Scenario: You need to inform a coworker, Linda Mitchell, that you’re struggling with your health and might need to take the day off.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Linda, I’m struggling with my health today and may need the day off. I’ll keep you updated.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is suitable for situations where you’re feeling significantly unwell but don’t want to go into details.
29. “I’ve been feeling poorly.”
Scenario: You’re informing a team member, Jake Brown, that you’re not feeling well and might need to leave early.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Jake, I’ve been feeling poorly today, so I may need to head home early.”
Additional Tip: This is a polite way to express feeling ill, commonly used in British English.
30. “I’m feeling drained today.”
Scenario: Emailing your boss, Lisa Clark, that you’re feeling exhausted and might need to take a break from work.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Lisa, I’m feeling drained today, so I may not be able to keep up with the usual pace. Thanks for understanding.”
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you’re feeling mentally or physically exhausted but not severely ill.
31. “I’m battling a slight fever.”
Scenario: Sending a quick note to your manager, Scott Miller, explaining that you’re sick and unable to attend work.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Scott, I’m battling a slight fever and won’t be able to attend work today.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is specific and works well if you know you have a fever or mild illness.
32. “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today.”
Scenario: Letting your colleague, Ben Roberts, know that you’re not feeling well and might need to delay a project.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Ben, I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I may need to delay the project. I’ll keep you updated.”
Additional Tip: This is a friendly and casual way to let someone know you’re not feeling well.
33. “I’ve got a headache today.”
Scenario: Informing your coworker, Kate Evans, that you’re suffering from a headache and will be slower than usual.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Kate, I’ve got a headache today, so I may not be able to work at full speed.”
Additional Tip: This phrase is specific and useful when dealing with mild symptoms like a headache.
34. “I’m feeling lightheaded.”
Scenario: Emailing your supervisor, Angela Adams, that you’re feeling lightheaded and will need to rest for a while.
Subject Explanation: “Hi Angela, I’m feeling lightheaded today, so I’ll be taking some time to rest.”
Additional Tip: This is useful for cases when you’re feeling faint or dizzy and need to inform someone.
35. “I’m experiencing some discomfort today.”
Scenario: Letting your manager, William Harris, know you’re dealing with some discomfort and may not be able to complete your tasks.
Subject Explanation: “Hi William, I’m experiencing some discomfort today, so I may need to adjust my workload.”
Additional Tip: This phrase works well when you need to convey that you’re unwell without being too specific.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers variety in communication, avoiding overused phrases.
- Helps maintain professionalism in work and client emails.
- Can be adjusted to suit the formality of the relationship.
Cons:
- Some alternatives may sound too casual in formal settings.
- Certain phrases may seem vague and lack clarity about the illness.
Conclusion
Incorporating a variety of ways to express “I am not feeling well” can enhance your email communication. If you’re informing colleagues, clients, or friends, using these alternatives can help convey your message more appropriately based on the relationship and context.
Remember to choose phrases that reflect your condition while maintaining professionalism and empathy. By using these alternatives, you ensure that your email communication remains thoughtful and effective.
Hi, I’m Lauren Reynolds: I bring creativity to English lessons, mixing fun with learning. My goal is to inspire students to explore and enjoy the language.
