Ill Definition

ill
adverb
  1. (`ill' is often used as a combining form) in a poor or improper or unsatisfactory manner; not well; "he was ill prepared"; "it ill befits a man to betray old friends"; "the car runs badly"; "he performed badly on the exam"; "the team played poorly"; "ill-fitting clothes"; "an ill- conceived plan"
  2. unfavorably or with disapproval; "tried not to speak ill of the dead"; "thought badly of him for his lack of concern"
  3. with difficulty or inconvenience; scarcely or hardly; "we can ill afford to buy a new car just now"
adjective
  1. affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function; "ill from the monotony of his suffering"
  2. resulting in suffering or adversity; "ill effects"; "it's an ill wind that blows no good"
  3. distressing; "ill manners"; "of ill repute"
  4. indicating hostility or enmity; "you certainly did me an ill turn"; "ill feelings"; "ill will"
  5. presaging ill fortune; "ill omens"; "ill predictions"; "my words with inauspicious thunderings shook heaven"- P.B.Shelley; "a dead and ominous silence prevailed"; "a by- election at a time highly unpropitious for the Government"
noun
  1. an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

"Ill" in song lyrics

See how ill is used in real songs:

  • "The police called to say that your job is ill"
    2 Live Crew — Revelation
  • "The Crew don't know how to ill"
    2 Live Crew — We Like to Chill
  • "I'm the Brother Marquis and it's time to get ill"
    2 Live Crew — We Like to Chill

Usage tips for "ill"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "ill" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for ill to find words that pair well.

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