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.
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
In order to avoid Cobolli getting ill, the pair cautiously sat at opposite ends of the interview table.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
During this difficult period Konate was also carrying the burden of knowing his father was seriously ill.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
The premature absence of millions of able-bodied men from our workforce, combined with the continuing retirement of the Baby Boomers and significant reductions in immigration, bodes ill for the country.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
When Mr. Haber had announced that she was ill, I’d had a nagging feeling that it wasn’t true.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
