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Definitions

ill

[il] / ɪl /




Usage

What are other ways to say ill?

The adjective ill is more mild than evil or wicked, and it appears mainly in certain fixed expressions: ill will; ill-natured. Evil applies to that which violates or leads to the violation of moral law: evil practices. Wicked implies willful and determined doing of what is very wrong: a wicked plan. Bad is the broadest and simplest term: a bad man; bad habits. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The "emergency air bridge" to the UK allowed seriously ill or injured patients to be transferred quickly to specialist centres there, including major trauma and cardiac hospitals, he added.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The doctor who ran the booth where the women became ill said he didn’t believe that the peptides caused their reactions but apologized for the incident and said he would review his practices.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Genome sequencing of E. coli isolated from each patient found that the strains were closely genetically related, suggesting that all of the ill people were exposed to the same source of infection.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The toddlers were among more than 30 severely ill newborns in incubators, who were evacuated from Gaza's Shifa Hospital in November 2023, during heavy fighting.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Ruva wasn’t ill, but she was half-mad with fear and grief.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer