ills

NOUN

misfortune

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abuse affliction ailment disease disorder evil illness infirmity malady malaise misery pain sickness suffering syndrome trouble woe

STRONG

affection badness complaint condition cruelty damage depravity destruction harm hurt indisposition injury insult malice mischief trial tribulation unpleasantness wickedness wrong

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid blessing cheer comfort good health happiness health healthiness help joy pleasure well-being

STRONG

benefit favor friendliness good improvement kindness peace praise right thoughtfulness virtue

WEAK

fortune luck privilege profit prosperity

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.

Ultimately, a ballot initiative won’t cure the ills that plague healthcare in the United States, said the Lown Institute’s Saini.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

A Google user experience team two years later detailed ills affecting viewer well-being, based on external research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

"Their energy and creativity are invaluable. Investing in their education, training, and entrepreneurship is essential for peace and for preventing the loss of talent and the spread of social ills," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

In their absence, the three remaining candidates pounded on a wide array of municipal ills, including broken sidewalks, high rents and sluggish housing production.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

The vice president of the Durham Merchants Association complained, with some justification, that the business community was being blamed for all of Durham’s ills.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson