ill will

noun

1. hostile feeling; malevolence; enmity:

   to harbor ill will against someone.

   Synonyms: unfriendliness, antipathy, animosity, hostility, hatred

   Antonyms: benevolence

ill will

noun

1. hostile feeling; enmity; antagonism

Other Words From

• ill-willed [il, -, wild], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ill will¹

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300

Example Sentences

Washington said that at the time he felt he “had to” drink and was bitter about the loss, though he holds no ill will toward the since-disgraced Spacey for taking home the Oscar.

From Los Angeles Times

Though he was clearly angry at the fans after the play, he did not harbor any ill will toward them after the game.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the mishap, the museum says it "bears no ill will towards the lift technician who made the mistake", who was covering for someone who is "well acquainted with the building and its exhibits".

From BBC

It was Steve’s idea to give himself a kind of Nixonian posture as he realizes he’s a target of ill will.

From Los Angeles Times

People who discussed their stress levels in passing or employees perceived as being stressed didn't generate the same ill will from their coworkers.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• acrimony
• animosity
• animus
• antagonism
• antipathy
• bad blood
• bitterness
• enmity
• envy
• grudge
• hate
• hatred
• hostility
• loathing
• malice
• rancor
• resentment