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.
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
Alito, the court’s second-oldest member, felt ill during the March 20 dinner, which followed a Federalist Society symposium celebrating his 20 years on the bench.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
The defendants billed Medicare for reimbursement payments for hospice care for patients over several years, federal officials said, but many of those patients were not terminally ill.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026
The concern among some groups is that the lower amount will impoverish people who are ill and have little prospect of getting a job anytime soon.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
“But my son is ill, seriously ill, and I have to find a doctor. Please. It is urgent.”
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
