We use 'ill' when discussing feeling unwell in general. In the UK, we tend to use 'ill' when referring to actual physical ailments. Diseases and ailments that require medical treatment or hospitalization are more often referred to as an 'illness'.
How do you use ill?
We use both ill and sick after a verb such as be, become, feel, look or seem:
- I was ill for a time last year, but I'm fine now.
- Nancy looks ill. I wonder what's wrong with her.
- I felt sick and had to go home at lunchtime.
- She's been looking after a sick child this week, so she's not at work.
What you mean by ill?
1a : misfortune, distress. b(1) : ailment, sickness. (2) : something that disturbs or afflicts : trouble economic and social ills. 2 : something that reflects unfavorably spoke no ill of him.
