not in good health; sick or unwell, resulting from or caused by illness, evil or harmful in nature or effect

an ill wind, take a dim view of something, have an axe to grind

be taken ill, fall ill, wish someone ill

Formal and Informal Expressions of ill

In different contexts, you can replace 'ill' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'unwell, indisposed' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'sick, under the weather' is a commonplace synonym.

ill: Explore its Definition & Usage

ill Definition

1not in good health; sick or unwell
2resulting from or caused by illness
3evil or harmful in nature or effect

Using ill: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ill" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She is feeling ill and needs to rest.
Example
The ill effects of smoking are well-known.
Example
He has an ill temper and often gets angry.
Example
The company's financial situation is looking ill.

ill Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for ill

Antonyms for ill

Idioms Using ill

an ill wind
a difficult or unpleasant situation that causes problems
Example
The economic downturn was an ill wind for many businesses.
take a dim view of something
to disapprove of something strongly
Example
The teacher takes a dim view of students who come to class ill-prepared.
have an axe to grind
to have a hidden motive or selfish reason for doing or being involved in something
Example
I think he has an axe to grind with the company, which is why he's been so critical of their decisions.

Phrases with ill

be taken ill
to become ill or sick
Example
She was taken ill with a high fever.
fall ill
to become ill or sick
Example
He fell ill after eating the contaminated food.
wish someone ill
to desire harm or misfortune to someone
Example
I don't wish him ill, but I also don't want to see him succeed.

Origins of ill

from Old English 'ylle'

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Summary: ill in Brief

The adjective 'ill' [ɪl] refers to a state of poor health or sickness, as in 'She is feeling ill and needs to rest.' It can also describe something that results from or is caused by illness, such as 'The ill effects of smoking are well-known.' Additionally, 'ill' can denote something evil or harmful, as in 'He has an ill temper and often gets angry.' Common phrases include 'be taken ill' and 'fall ill,' while idioms like 'an ill wind' and 'take a dim view of something' convey negative situations.