ill marked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ill marked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is poorly indicated or not clearly labeled. Example: "The trail was ill marked, making it difficult for hikers to find their way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The curb cuts were too steep for wheelchairs, they said, the doors at narrow, rampless thresholds were hard to open and handicapped parking spaces, if there were any, were ill-placed and poorly marked.

The New York Times

Even with the goal of taking the amount of firearms in private hands to zero, the criminal element will likely still find ways to manufacture and steal the guns they desire to make their ill mark.

Huffington Post

The press onslaught really only came when Mercury got ill, a period marked sardonically in Taylor's studio by the presence of a toy "Paparazzi Playset" from the makers of "Dashboard Jesus", which includes nine miniature snappers and a tiny velvet rope.

The Guardian - Music

At JAX, once mice were marked as ill, they were examined daily for signs of ill health.

Aging Cell

But, unlike Stephon Marbury, whose homecoming in Minnesota last Sunday was marked by ill will from the bitter crowd, this trip to Utah will most likely be a happy event.

The New York Times - Sports

In addition, critically ill patients commonly show marked apoptosis-induced lymphopenia and impaired lymphocyte function which contribute to sepsis- and injury-associated immunosuppression as recently reviewed elsewhere [37].

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Olga's final years were marked by ill health.

Wikipedia

In addition, externalizing problems in adolescents were pronounced when the mother was ill and in studies marked by a high percentage of single parenthood.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

However, delayed gastric emptying occurs in approximately 50% of critically ill patients and, when marked, may lead to under-nutrition, gastro-oesophageal reflux and pulmonary aspiration [ 18].

Critical Care

In his brief life, which even in childhood was marked by ill health, Modigliani was able to grow as an artist and attain his own distinctive style.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Lê Đức Thọ, head of the Central Organizing Commission, said the party had become "a cumbersome and ponderous mechanism, only marginally efficient, marked by ill-defined responsibilities and poorly divided functions".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ill marked" when you want to emphasize not just the absence of a clear marking, but also a negative aspect of its existence, such as causing confusion or difficulty.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "ill marked" might sound slightly informal in highly technical or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "poorly defined" or "vaguely delineated" for a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ill marked" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a deficiency or problem with how something is marked or indicated. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ill marked" is used to describe something that is poorly indicated, labeled, or defined. As determined by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English. While not exceedingly common, "ill marked" is found in sources such as news media, scientific publications, encyclopedias and wikis. When aiming for more formal language, consider alternatives like "poorly defined" or "indistinctly marked".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Poorly defined

Focuses on the lack of clear boundaries or definition.

Badly marked

Emphasizes the poor quality of the marking itself.

Faintly indicated

Highlights the weak or subtle nature of the indication.

Vaguely delineated

Stresses the lack of precision in the delimitation.

Indistinctly marked

Focuses on the difficulty in perceiving the mark.

Imperfectly marked

Highlights the presence of errors or deficiencies in the marking.

Sketchily outlined

Emphasizes the lack of detail in the outline.

Blurrily indicated

Focuses on the lack of sharpness or clarity in the indication.

Ambiguously defined

Highlights the potential for multiple interpretations.

Unclearly labeled

Focuses specifically on the labeling aspect, indicating a lack of clarity.

FAQs

What does "ill marked" mean?

The phrase "ill marked" describes something that is poorly indicated, labeled, or defined. It suggests a deficiency in clarity or accuracy.

What's a more formal alternative to "ill marked"?

Depending on the context, consider using more formal alternatives such as "poorly defined", "vaguely delineated", or "indistinctly marked".

How can I use "ill marked" in a sentence?

You can use "ill marked" to describe a border, a trail, a boundary, or any other feature that lacks clear indication: "The trail was "ill marked", leading to several hikers getting lost."

Is "ill marked" grammatically correct?

Yes, "ill marked" is grammatically correct and understandable in English. It follows the pattern of using "ill-" as a prefix to indicate something negative or deficient.