How to Pronounce Ill

To pronounce "ill", say ILL — one syllable, IPA /ɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

ill

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “ill”

"ill" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with shrill and thrill, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: il — easy to mix up when writing.

What does ill mean?

noun

  1. (often pluralized) Trouble; distress; misfortune; adversity.

    “Music won't solve all the world's ills, but it can make them easier to bear.”

  2. Harm or injury.

    “I wouldn't want you to do me ill.”

adjective

  1. Evil; wicked (of people).
  2. Morally reprehensible (of behaviour etc.); blameworthy.

adverb

  1. Not well; imperfectly, badly; hardly.

Synonyms

badmal-disgustednauseatenauseoussicksickeneddopeilly

Antonyms

goodwackfinehalehealthywell

Hear “ill” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with ill

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

shrillthrillkrilltrillskillinstillbrillbastillemilltillswillfrill

Related words

badlyinauspiciousbadunpropitiousharmfulhostilepoorlytrouble

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ill"?▾

"Ill" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "ill"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ill" is /ɪl/.

What does "ill" mean?▾

Ill: (often pluralized) Trouble; distress; misfortune; adversity.

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