ille
B1Formal, Neutral, Informal
Definition
Meaning
In poor health; unwell.
In a poor, undesirable, or faulty condition; unfavourable; harmful; hostile; causing suffering.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning refers to health. As an adjective, 'ill' is typically used predicatively (e.g., 'She is ill'). Its attributive use (e.g., 'an ill person') is less common and can sound formal or old-fashioned, where 'sick' is often preferred. It's also used figuratively to describe abstract concepts (ill fortune, ill will).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'ill' is the standard term for feeling unwell. 'Sick' often means nauseous. In American English, 'sick' is the more common general term for unwell, while 'ill' can sound slightly more formal or severe.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'ill' can carry a connotation of seriousness or longer-term sickness compared to 'sick'. 'Ill' is also preferred in formal or medical contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in British English for physical sickness. In American English, 'sick' is more frequent in everyday speech, though 'ill' remains common in fixed phrases and formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/v/look/feel] + illill + with + [disease]ill + from + [cause]ill + at + easeVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ill at ease (uncomfortable/awkward)”
- “it's an ill wind (that blows nobody any good)”
- “speak ill of (criticise)”
- “take ill (become offended)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The project suffered from ill-defined objectives." (poorly defined)
Academic
"The study examined the ill effects of long-term stress." (harmful)
Everyday
"I can't come in today; I'm feeling ill." (unwell)
Technical
"The patient presented with symptoms of an acute illness." (Note: 'illness' is the noun form)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - 'ill' is not a verb in modern English.
American English
- N/A - 'ill' is not a verb in modern English.
adverb
British English
- They were ill-prepared for the storm.
- It ill becomes you to criticise.
American English
- The team was ill-equipped for the challenge.
- He can ill afford another mistake.
adjective
British English
- He's been ill for a week with the flu.
- There was no ill intent behind her comment.
American English
- She became ill after eating the seafood.
- The decision had many ill consequences.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My brother is ill today.
- She looks ill. Let's call a doctor.
- Several employees fell ill after the office party.
- I feel too ill to go to work.
- Despite being chronically ill, she maintained a positive outlook.
- The policy was ill-conceived and quickly failed.
- The ambassador's remarks provoked ill feeling between the two nations.
- He is ill-suited to a career in management due to his impulsive nature.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'I'll' (I will) not feel well → I'll be ill.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD IS ILL (e.g., an ill-advised plan, ill-gotten gains), DISCOMFORT IS ILLNESS (e.g., ill at ease).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'ill' for temporary minor sickness like a cold; 'unwell' or 'sick' is often better. 'Ill' can sound serious.
- Do not directly translate the Russian construction for 'I have a sore throat' as 'I am ill with throat'. Use 'I have a sore throat' or 'My throat is sore.'
- Remember 'ill' is mainly an adjective; the common noun is 'illness'. Do not say 'I have an ill.'
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ill' attributively in everyday speech (e.g., 'an ill child' sounds odd, use 'a sick child').
- Confusing 'ill' with 'evil'. 'Ill will' means unkind feeling, not necessarily evil.
- Using 'ill' as a noun incorrectly (e.g., 'He suffers from an ill' is wrong; use 'an illness' or 'an ailment').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'ill' used as an adverb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, 'ill' is general for unwell, 'sick' often means nauseous. In American English, 'sick' is the general term. 'Ill' is used in both for more serious/long-term conditions and in formal/fixed phrases.
It's grammatically correct but sounds formal or old-fashioned. In everyday speech, 'a sick person' or 'someone who is ill' is more natural.
In modern English, 'ill' is not commonly used as a standalone noun. The correct noun form is 'illness'. 'Ill' is used in some fixed phrases (e.g., 'the various ills of society').
It's an idiom meaning feeling anxious, uncomfortable, or awkward in a situation.