A2adjective2K

Ill

UK /["/ɪl/"]/US /["/ɪl/"]/

Definition

suffering from an illness or disease; not feeling well

In simple words: not well; feeling sick

Examples

  • She felt ill after eating too much candy.
  • Many people have been ill this winter due to the flu.
  • He’s been ill for a week, so he couldn't go to work.
  • The ill effects of pollution can be seen everywhere.
  • Eating junk food can make you feel ill.

Usage notes

Used to describe someone who is not feeling well. Appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. Not used to describe emotional states unless specified (e.g., 'ill at ease').

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'ill'-ness like a chill; if you're ill, you might feel cold.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • feel
  • critically
  • dangerously
  • desperately
  • with
  • from

Synonyms

  • sick
  • unwell
  • ailing
  • indisposed

Antonyms

  • healthy
  • well
  • fit

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'ill' as in 'bad' versus 'sick'.
  • Using 'ill' to describe emotional states without context.
  • Incorrectly spelling 'ill' as 'il'.