Learn how to use the comparative “sicker” and superlative “sickest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “sick”?

The comparative form of “sick” is “sicker”.

Example

She felt sicker today than she did yesterday.

Example

He became sicker after eating the spoiled food.

What is the superlative form of “sick”?

The superlative form of “sick” is “sickest”.

Example

Among all the patients, he was the sickest.

Example

The flu season this year has been one of the sickest in recent memory.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with sick, sicker, and sickest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more sick' and 'most sick' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, sicker and sickest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Sick does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: SickSicker Superlative: SickSickest

Expressions with similar meanings to “sicker”

Used to describe someone who is not feeling well or is suffering from a disease

Example

The patient was ill and needed immediate medical attention.

Similar to sick, this word describes someone who is not feeling well or is in poor health

Example

She stayed home from work because she was feeling unwell.

Used to indicate a decline in health or a worsening condition

Example

His symptoms got worse as the day went on.

Expressions with similar meanings to “sickest”

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of sickness

Example

The most ill patients were given priority in the emergency room.

Similar to sickest, this emphasizes the highest level of poor health

Example

The most unwell individuals were advised to stay home and rest.

Used to describe the highest level of decline in health or the most severe condition

Example

Her symptoms were at their worst during the night.

Using than with comparative “sicker”

When using the comparative form sicker to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She felt sicker than her friend." Here, than is used to show that the level of sickness she felt is greater than the level of sickness her friend felt.

How can I use this expression in context?

“sicker” and “sickest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Health

    He was the sickest patient in the hospital.

    He was the sickest patient in the hospital.

  • 2Diseases

    The flu outbreak this year is one of the sickest in recent history.

    The flu outbreak this year is one of the sickest in recent history.

  • 3Symptoms

    Her cough got sicker as the days went by.

    Her cough got sicker as the days went by.

  • 4Conditions

    The storm made the weather sicker.

    The storm made the weather sicker.

  • 5Epidemics

    The pandemic has resulted in some of the sickest individuals being hospitalized.

    The pandemic has resulted in some of the sickest individuals being hospitalized.

Related idioms and phrases

Under the weather

To feel unwell or sick

Example

I won't be able to come to work today, I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

In poor health

To be in a state of bad health or not feeling well

Example

Due to his age, he is in poor health and requires regular medical check-ups.

On the mend

Recovering from an illness or injury

Example

After a week of rest, she is finally on the mend and able to resume her daily activities.

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