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"Ill" vs. "sick": are they the same?

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 23/12/2024, 23:47

English.me team member

Ill and sick. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "ill" and "sick" are adjectives used to describe a state of poor health or feeling unwell.

What is different?

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.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for ill) and sick

Examples of usage

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.

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