First Known Use: 12th century
Dictionary
1ill
adjective \ˈil\
: not well or healthy : sick or unhealthy
of health : not normal or good
: harmful or damaging
worse \ˈwərs\ worst \ˈwərst\
Full Definition of ILL
1
2
a : causing suffering or distress <ill weather> b comparative also ill·er superlative also illest (1) : not normal or sound <ill health> (2) : not in good health; also : nauseated
3
4
a : not meeting an accepted standard <ill manners> b archaic : notably unskillful or inefficient
5
: unfriendly, hostile <ill feeling>
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Origin of ILL
Middle English, from Old Norse illr
Related to ILL
Other Medicine Terms
2ill
adverb
: in a bad or imperfect way
: in an unfavorable or unkind way
worseworst
Full Definition of ILL
1
a : with displeasure or hostility b : in a harsh manner c : so as to reflect unfavorably <spoke ill of the neighbors>
2
: in a reprehensible manner
4
See ill defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ILL
13th century
3ill
noun
: bad or unlucky things
: a sickness or disease
ills : troubles or problems
Full Definition of ILL
1
: the reverse of good : evil
2
a : misfortune, distress b (1) : ailment, sickness (2) : something that disturbs or afflicts : trouble <economic and social ills>
3
: something that reflects unfavorably <spoke no ill of him>
See ill defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of ILL
13th century
4ill
abbreviation
Definition of ILL
illustrated; illustration; illustrator
Ill
abbreviation
Definition of ILL
Illinois
Ill
geographical name \ˈēl\
Definition of ILL
river 129 miles (208 kilometers) NE France flowing into the Rhine
ILL Defined for Kids
1ill
adjective \ˈil\
worse \ˈwərs\worst \ˈwərst\
Definition of ILL for Kids
1
: not in good health : sick <an ill person>
2
: not normal or sound <ill health>
3
: meant to do harm : evil <ill deeds>
4
: causing suffering or distress <ill weather>
5
: not helpful <He was plagued by ill luck.>
6
: not kind or friendly <ill intentions>
7
: not right or proper <ill manners>
2ill
adverb
worseworst
Definition of ILL for Kids
1
: with displeasure or anger <The remark was ill received.>
2
: in a harsh or unkind way <The animals were ill treated.>
4
: in a bad or faulty way <They're ill-prepared to face the winter.>
3ill
noun
Definition of ILL for Kids
1
: the opposite of good <Things will change for good or ill.>
2
: a sickness or disease <childhood ills>
3
: 1trouble 2 <society's ills>
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