Telling your boss you’re not feeling well can be tricky — you want to sound professional, respectful, and sincere. Whether you’re texting, emailing, or speaking in person, it helps to know alternative ways to express it without sounding repetitive or overly casual.
Here are 25 professional and polite ways to say “I’m not feeling well” to your boss, along with meaning, when to use them, and example sentences.
1. I’m feeling under the weather
Meaning: A gentle way to say you’re sick without too much detail.
Use When: You want to sound polite and neutral.
Example: I’m feeling under the weather today, so I’ll need to take the day off to recover.
2. I’m not feeling my best
Meaning: Suggests you’re unwell but still professional.
Use When: You’re unwell but don’t want to sound dramatic.
Example: I’m not feeling my best today and may not be able to perform at full capacity.
3. I’m feeling a bit off today
Meaning: Indicates slight discomfort or fatigue.
Use When: You’re mildly sick but still reachable.
Example: I’m feeling a bit off today, so I might work from home if that’s okay.
4. I’m feeling unwell
Meaning: The most formal and direct phrasing.
Use When: Writing an email or informing your boss officially.
Example: I’m feeling unwell and will need to take a sick day to rest.
5. I’m feeling a little sick
Meaning: Simple and honest way to express you’re not well.
Use When: In a short message or text.
Example: I’m feeling a little sick today, so I’ll need to take the day off.
6. I’m not in good shape today
Meaning: Means you’re physically or mentally drained.
Use When: You want to sound serious but not alarming.
Example: I’m not in good shape today and think it’s best I take the day to recover.
7. I’m feeling quite ill
Meaning: Indicates stronger sickness.
Use When: You’re too sick to work or respond much.
Example: I’m feeling quite ill today and won’t be able to come in.
8. I’m a bit under the weather, so I’ll rest today
Meaning: Polite and natural way to take leave.
Use When: You want to sound thoughtful and professional.
Example: I’m a bit under the weather, so I’ll take the day to rest and recover.
9. I think I’ve caught something
Meaning: Suggests you may have a cold or virus.
Use When: You want to explain your symptoms briefly.
Example: I think I’ve caught something, so I’ll work from home to avoid spreading it.
10. I’m feeling a bit run-down
Meaning: Indicates tiredness or exhaustion, not necessarily sickness.
Use When: You’re burnt out or need rest.
Example: I’m feeling a bit run-down lately and could use a day to recharge.
11. I need to take a sick day
Meaning: Direct and professional statement.
Use When: Formally requesting leave.
Example: I’m not feeling well and need to take a sick day to recover properly.
12. I won’t be able to make it in today due to illness
Meaning: Formal phrase for official communication.
Use When: Sending an email or HR message.
Example: I won’t be able to make it in today due to illness. I’ll update you once I’m feeling better.
13. I’ve come down with something
Meaning: Informal yet polite way to say you’re sick.
Use When: Talking casually to your boss.
Example: I’ve come down with something, so I’ll take a sick day.
14. I might be coming down with a cold
Meaning: You’re starting to feel unwell.
Use When: Early signs of sickness appear.
Example: I might be coming down with a cold, so I’ll monitor how I feel and keep you posted.
15. I’m taking the day to rest and recover
Meaning: Emphasizes self-care while sounding responsible.
Use When: You’ve already informed them you’re sick.
Example: I’m taking the day to rest and recover so I can return fully refreshed.
16. I’m not feeling well enough to work today
Meaning: Simple, honest, and clear.
Use When: You need a break from work tasks.
Example: I’m not feeling well enough to work today but will catch up once I’m better.
17. I’m feeling a bit weak today
Meaning: Suggests fatigue or mild sickness.
Use When: You want to avoid oversharing but stay transparent.
Example: I’m feeling a bit weak today, so I may not be at my usual pace.
18. I’ve been feeling off lately
Meaning: Subtle and polite for recurring fatigue or stress.
Use When: Discussing longer-term health or burnout.
Example: I’ve been feeling off lately and might need a day or two to recharge.
19. I may need to take the day off for health reasons
Meaning: Professional and non-specific.
Use When: You want to keep health details private.
Example: I may need to take the day off for health reasons. I’ll let you know if anything changes.
20. I’m not feeling 100% today
Meaning: Common phrase to show mild illness.
Use When: You’re unwell but still reachable.
Example: I’m not feeling 100% today, so I might need to step away from work for a bit.
21. My health isn’t great today
Meaning: Simple and polite.
Use When: Writing to HR or senior management.
Example: My health isn’t great today, so I’ll be taking a sick day.
22. I need to prioritize my health today
Meaning: Shows responsibility and self-awareness.
Use When: You’re addressing ongoing wellness concerns.
Example: I need to prioritize my health today and take some rest.
23. I’m dealing with a minor health issue
Meaning: Discreet and professional.
Use When: You prefer not to share details.
Example: I’m dealing with a minor health issue and will be offline today.
24. I’m feeling exhausted and need to recharge
Meaning: Indicates burnout rather than illness.
Use When: Stress or overwork affects performance.
Example: I’m feeling exhausted and need to recharge before continuing at full pace.
25. I’ll be out sick today
Meaning: Short, polite, and to the point.
Use When: Texting or messaging quickly.
Example: I’ll be out sick today and will update you once I’m feeling better.
Conclusion
When you’re not feeling well, how you communicate it to your boss matters as much as what you say. Keep your message short, respectful, and professional. Avoid too much detail about your illness, express your intent to recover, and if possible, mention when you’ll be back or reachable.
Simple, courteous phrases like “I’m feeling unwell,” “I need to take a sick day,” or “I’m a bit under the weather” show professionalism while maintaining honesty.
