ill
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.
Despite the danger it poses, many infected animals never become ill.
From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026
Craig Mather was teaching his musical theatre class when he received a call on Thursday from a director to say that their lead had fallen ill.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
There’s no evidence that well-known women using social media and public appearances to sell their audiences on GenAI have any ill intent, or that they’re shills for AI companies.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
Even if someone does become ill, it takes time for Ebola to progress from “dry” symptoms to highly contagious “wet” symptoms.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
When her husband and daughter visit, she puts on a cheerful demeanor, even when she’s desperately ill.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
