“Ill” means not feeling well or being sick. It is a common word used to describe someone who has a health problem, from a mild cold to a more serious illness.
People use “ill” in everyday English when talking about health. For example, someone might say they feel ill, call in sick because they are ill, or say a family member is ill. In some cases, “ill” can also mean something is bad or harmful, but the most common meaning is related to sickness.
Meaning & Usage
“Ill” is often used in a simple, direct way to say a person is not healthy. It can describe how someone feels right now or a longer health condition.
Examples
She felt ill after lunch.
He stayed home because he was ill.
My grandmother has been ill for a few days.
Is “ill” the same as “sick”?
Yes, in everyday English, “ill” and “sick” usually mean the same thing. “Ill” is often more common in British English, while “sick” is more common in American English.
Can “ill” mean something other than being sick?
Yes. In some contexts, “ill” can mean bad or harmful, such as “ill effects” or “ill treatment.” But this is less common in daily conversation.
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