ill health vs poor health

Both 'ill health' and 'poor health' are correct phrases used to describe a state of not being well. 'Ill health' is more formal and traditional, while 'poor health' is more commonly used in everyday language. Both phrases convey the same meaning, but 'ill health' may sound a bit more serious or clinical.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 635 views

The phrase 'ill health' is correct and commonly used to describe a state of being unwell or unhealthy.

"ill health"

The term 'ill health' is often used in formal or medical contexts to describe a person's poor physical condition or state of health.

Examples:

The patient was admitted to the hospital due to his ill health.
Her constant fatigue was a sign of her ill health.
The company offers benefits to employees who are unable to work due to ill health.
The government is concerned about the rising rates of ill health in the population.
His ill health prevented him from participating in the marathon.

Show examples from the web [+]

· Providing a safety net against poverty or social exclusion associated with ill health, disability or old age for both the beneficiaries of care and their families.
The Commission recognises that eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, are an important cause of ill health in particular, among young people.
Akin Birdal was free at just that particular time because of what was termed 'ill health'.
However, it is important to note that the social consequences of reproductive ill health can be most severely felt by girls.
Both of them had to leave because of ill health.
Only with evidence of ill health and testament of good character, I'd hope we could get the charge dismissed.
The European Commission recognises that eating disorders are an important cause of ill health of both women and men.
We have to look at the causes of ill health, and the debates this evening have centred round those.
These are the stark and challenging facts about ill health and its link to and from poverty.
Dear Governor Stark: I wish to resign as auditor due to ill health... to take effect as soon as you can relieve me.
In your encounters with Sergeant Dunne he bore no signs of ill health, did he?
It also makes clear that in cases where there is reasonable suspicion that ill health is due to exposure to asbestos, it is up to the employer or other responsible person to show that this cannot have been the case.
When does the Commission intend to coordinate European action on chronic/non-communicable diseases, including diabetes which is a major and growing cause of ill health and premature death?
The EESC welcomes the recognition that harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption is a key health determinant and one of the main causes of ill health and early death in the EU.
and minimise the economic and social consequences of ill health, thus reducing health inequalities.
Those in greatest need, at greatest risk of ill health and premature death, have the worst access to health care - often zero access.
Madam President, there are many people who are anxious about the increase in obesity and the ill health it causes to many people and, in particular, to already vulnerable groups: those on very low incomes.
EU public health policy and the Public Health Programme put an emphasis on tackling health determinants, i.e. the underlying factors influencing good or ill health.
If the vet is unable to tell the difference, how can he/she judge whether or not the monkey is showing signs of distress or ill health?
the continued payment of normal, or reduced, wages during periods of absence from work as a result of ill health, accident, maternity, etc.;

Alternatives:

poor health
unwell
sickness
health issues
medical condition

The phrase 'poor health' is correct and commonly used to describe a state of being unwell or unhealthy.

"poor health"

'Poor health' is a more casual and everyday way to describe a person's physical condition or state of health.

Examples:

His poor health prevented him from enjoying outdoor activities.
The lack of exercise contributed to her poor health.
The community health center provides services for those in poor health.
She was advised to improve her diet to address her poor health.
The doctor recommended regular check-ups to monitor his poor health.

Show examples from the web [+]

You're still mired in a pit of poor health and crippling debt.
In his last years he suffered poor health.
The Duchess suffered from poor health and the couple had no children.
Due to poor health during early childhood, he studied at first with a private tutor.
Khải Định suffered poor health like his father and became a drug addict.
Although suffering from poor health throughout his life, François was a very prolific composer.
The cost of poor health to the economy can be staggering.
You know, my lawyers suggested that poor health might have a positive effect on my sentencing.
Despite the glamour of the tsar's court, she had to struggle with cold winters, strange customs, limited funds, and poor health.
One account has it that on account of his poor health he was persuaded to seek out the Baal Shem Tov for a cure.
As his life progressed, the King became dependent on Lady Conyngham on account of his temper and poor health.
In 1997, Wallace planned to give Hood his degree, but poor health prevented him from attending the ceremony.
With no qualifications, no work experience aside from the Merchant Marine, and his poor health, Selby had trouble finding a job.
In 1790 he accompanied the entomologist Olivier on an expedition to Persia, but his poor health didn't allow him to continue.
Because of her poor health, she decided that she must quit her job at Miss Low's School.
Father Cacella's poor health led to his death during 1630 in the high Tibetan plateau.
A month later, on February 24, 1865, George was released from capture and granted a furlough because of his poor health.
Zhang had reserved her scenes to be shot last due to her poor health.
I give myself entirely to you, despite my crosses, my poor health, my poverty.
Westphal, who had suffered from poor health for much of his life, died on November 9, 1859, in Lüneburg.

Alternatives:

ill health
unwell
sickness
health issues
medical condition

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ill health vs poor health

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