Ill vs. sick: what’s the difference?
The short answer
The word ill is more formal and commonly used in British English, especially in phrases like seriously ill, whereas sick is more informal and widely used in American English. Additionally, sick can also refer to feeling nauseous or can be used more broadly, such as in idioms like sick of something, while ill does not have these extended uses.
What they have in common
Both ill and sick are adjectives used to describe a state of poor health or feeling unwell.
Examples
ill
- She has been feeling ill for days.
- The ill child stayed home from school.
- He looks ill and should see a doctor.
sick
- I felt sick after eating that food.
- She called in sick to work today.
- He got sick during the boat ride.
Which one is more common?
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