with ill will

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with ill will" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of hostility or resentment towards someone or something. Example: "He approached the negotiation table with ill will, making it clear he had no intention of reaching a fair agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A game had bubbled over Monday with ill will, but Kovalchuk shrugged his shoulders.

The New York Times - Sports

People of good will, regardless of party, are too plentiful for those with ill will to change history's currents.

The New York Times

That charge required Mr. Zimmerman to have evinced a "depraved mind," brimming with ill will, hatred, spite or evil intent, when he shot Mr. Martin.

The New York Times

Her house raided, its closets and cupboards struck with ill will, a vicious bushwhacking tour of mayhem, ending, it seemed, with the flimsy silhouette on her bed.

The New Yorker

Calipari watched his team handle itself in the semifinals against Tennessee on Saturday in a game filled with ill will and four technical fouls.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, Dr. Murray said, the warehouse is filled with ill will as irritated patients start looking elsewhere for medical care.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Yet none of this was done with ill-will; like their mentor, they loved argument and disputation, and to survive the intellectual cauldron of Bielefeld could be a heady experience for the outsider.

The Guardian

With ill-will surging amid rumours that Rennard might start spilling high-minded beans if thwarted, the businesswoman Helena Morrisey – a rave write-up here – was asked by the party to review its processes and concluded there was "no justification for remaining ambivalent towards Lord Rennard" because no further action against him is envisaged.

The Guardian

Atangana's 1938 proposal for the reorganisation of Yaoundé's administration shows the frustration he experienced at that time: the local people do not know what endurance means... [and] work with ill-will for the administration or for private concerns, where they seek refuge as a safeguard when the administration gives the chiefs an order in the public interest or for their own good.

Wikipedia

Kabuki-masked, with long, witchy hair and voices loaded with snickering ill will, they look like escapees from any number of J-horror movies.

The Guardian - Film

Spencer Pratt ignited a firestorm with his immature antics on MTV's "The Hills," with the ill will toward him extending all the way to the family of his girlfriend and now wife, Heidi Montag.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with ill will", consider the intensity of the negative feeling you want to convey. Alternatives like "with malice" or "with animosity" may be more appropriate for stronger emotions.

Common error

Avoid using "with ill will" interchangeably with phrases that simply indicate disagreement. "Ill will" implies a degree of active hostility or malevolence, not just a difference of opinion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with ill will" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It specifies that the action is carried out with negative intentions or hostile feelings. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "with ill will" describes actions performed with spite, malice, or hostility. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable, though not very common. Its primary function is to express disapproval or condemnation, highlighting negative intentions. While applicable in news, legal contexts, and general writing, consider the subtle differences between "with ill will" and alternatives like "with malice" or "with animosity" to accurately convey the intended sentiment. Be mindful that "ill will" implies a degree of active hostility beyond simple disagreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with malice

Emphasizes a deliberate intention to cause harm or suffering, highlighting the malevolent motive behind the action.

with animosity

Focuses on a strong feeling of dislike or hostility, suggesting a deep-seated antagonism.

with malevolence

Highlights the evil or harmful intent behind an action, stressing the wickedness involved.

with spite

Implies a desire to offend, annoy, or harm another person, suggesting petty vengefulness.

with resentment

Indicates a feeling of bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly, highlighting the sense of grievance.

with hostility

Stresses an unfriendly or aggressive attitude, emphasizing the antagonism present.

with antagonism

Focuses on active opposition or dislike, underscoring the confrontational nature of the relationship.

with bad intentions

Directly states the presence of negative motives, removing any ambiguity about the actor's purpose.

with a vendetta

Implies a long-standing and deeply felt desire for revenge, emphasizing the sustained nature of the animosity.

unfavorably

Suggests a negative or critical approach, highlighting the lack of support or approval.

FAQs

What does "with ill will" mean?

The phrase "with ill will" signifies acting with spite, malice, or hostility towards someone or something, indicating a deliberate intention to cause harm or show antagonism.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "with ill will"?

Use "with ill will" when describing actions or attitudes driven by negative intentions or a desire to inflict harm or displeasure on someone. It is suitable in contexts involving conflict, legal matters, or personal disputes.

Are there synonyms for "with ill will" that I can use?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "with malice", "with animosity", or "with spite" to convey similar negative sentiments. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to express.

How does "with ill will" differ from "with reluctance"?

"With ill will" implies active hostility or spite, while "with reluctance" simply means acting unwillingly or hesitantly. The former suggests a desire to cause harm, whereas the latter only indicates a lack of enthusiasm.