Pronunciation: [sˈɪkli lˈʊkɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "sickly looking" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈsɪkli ˈlʊkɪŋ/. The first syllable, "sickly," is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "k" sound and a soft "l" sound. The second syllable, "looking," is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by a "k" sound and the "ing" ending. This phrase is used to describe someone who appears ill or unhealthy in their appearance.
Sickly looking is an adjective used to describe the physical appearance or condition of someone or something that appears unwell, weak, or unhealthy. It refers to a visibly unhealthy appearance that typically manifests through various signs of illness or a lack of vitality.
When describing a person as sickly looking, it implies that their appearance is indicative of poor health or a compromised well-being. This could be reflected in pale or sallow skin, dark circles or puffiness under the eyes, extreme thinness or emaciation, and a generally frail or weak demeanor. Other visual cues might include a lack of energy, frequent coughing or sneezing, or a general appearance of being unclean or disheveled.
The term can also be used to describe the appearance of animals, plants, or inanimate objects, such as a sickly looking tree with withered leaves, a sickly looking pet with a matted coat, or a sickly looking building with chipped paint and dilapidated structure.
The term "sickly looking" does not necessarily indicate a specific illness or medical condition but rather serves as a general observation of an individual or thing's unsound or unhealthy appearance. It is a subjective description based on visual clues rather than a clinical diagnosis, often used in everyday language to express concern or pity for someone or something looking noticeably unwell.
The etymology of the word "sickly" can be traced back to the Old English word "sēoc", which meant "sick". The suffix "-ly" was added to form the adjective form "sickly", indicating the state or quality of being sick. Over time, the term "sickly looking" has become a common phrase used to describe someone's appearance as being unhealthy or indicative of illness.
