Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for ill. Search instead for iml.
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.

Despite the danger it poses, many infected animals never become ill.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 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

Arnaldi described how he became ill on Thursday night, waking up with stomach ache at about 1am.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Struggling under piles of debt and in ill health, an aging Madison resolved to emancipate “his people.”

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis




Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "ill" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com