ill will
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
Unfriendly, hostile, or negative feelings towards someone; animosity.
A persistent state of resentment or dislike that can lead to passive or active opposition. Often implies a grudge or a desire for another's misfortune.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically an uncountable noun. Often used in contexts of conflict, rivalry, or after a perceived wrong. Implies a settled feeling rather than a momentary anger.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical in both varieties. Slightly more common in formal or literary British English.
Connotations
Same in both varieties: strong negative connotation of deep-seated resentment.
Frequency
Low to medium frequency in both, more likely in written contexts than casual speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] bears/harbours ill will towards [Object]Ill will between [Party A] and [Party B]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No ill will lost between them (they continue to dislike each other)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in contexts of office politics, mergers, or competitive rivalries: 'The takeover was completed without any lingering ill will.'
Academic
Found in historical, political, or sociological texts discussing conflicts: 'The treaty failed to address the deep-seated ill will between the two nations.'
Everyday
Used in serious personal conflicts: 'Despite their argument, she bore him no ill will.'
Technical
Rare in technical contexts; may appear in psychology or conflict resolution literature.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He ill-willed his rival's success.
American English
- He ill-willed his rival's success.
adverb
British English
- He spoke ill-willingly of his former partner.
American English
- He spoke ill-willingly of his ex-partner.
adjective
British English
- An ill-willed remark.
American English
- An ill-willed comment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was a lot of ill will between the two teams after the match.
- She felt no ill will towards him.
- The controversial decision generated considerable ill will among the staff.
- He claimed to harbour no ill will, but his actions suggested otherwise.
- The bitter legal dispute left a legacy of profound ill will that lasted for decades.
- Despite the public reconciliation, a substratum of ill will continued to poison their professional relationship.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ill' as in sickness and 'will' as in intention. An 'ill intention' towards someone = ill will.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD FEELING IS A DISEASE / HOSTILITY IS A POSSESSION (to harbour/bear ill will).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'плохая воля' (bad will). Closer to 'недоброжелательство', 'злоба', 'неприязнь'. Avoid confusing with 'желание зла', which is more active.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun (*an ill will). Using with wrong prepositions (*ill will against him -> ill will towards him).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'ill will' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is written as two separate words: 'ill will'.
Yes, but the stronger, more idiomatic collocations are 'bear', 'harbour', or 'feel' ill will.
'Ill will' is a broader, more general feeling of hostility. 'Spite' is more active and implies a deliberate desire to hurt, annoy, or offend.
Yes, it is more common in formal, written, or serious spoken contexts than in casual conversation.