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.
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
Holm explained that the process was viewed as a last resort, and that individuals must be considered significantly ill and have a limited life expectancy before a lung transplant could be deemed appropriate.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
The U.S. secured agreements with Germany and the Czech Republic to provide treatment in Europe, avoiding risky trans-Atlantic travel for a critically ill patient.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
Madame Babushkinov was ill equipped to console the child, for she was a bundle of nerves herself and chattered nonstop.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
