sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

a

: ill health : illness

b

: a disordered, weakened, or unsound condition

2

: a specific disease

3

: nausea, queasiness

Synonyms

• illness
• indisposition
• unhealthiness
• unsoundness

Examples of sickness in a Sentence

He died from an unknown sickness.

she was plagued by sickness most of her adult life

Recent Examples on the Web

Two Science-Backed Supplements for Immune Health The goal of using immune-boosting supplements is to strengthen your body’s ability to fight off an infection rather than avoid sickness altogether. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024

The symptom of Marga’s emotional sickness is alcohol, but Blanca’s is Marga herself. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 3 Dec. 2024

Leisure sickness may happen because of pre-vacation stress and changes to your routine. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 Nov. 2024

From McDonald's Quarter Pounder hamburger outbreak last month to a current recall of organic carrots sold at grocery stores across the country, E. coli outbreaks are making headlines — and prompting questions about how to stay safe from the bacteria that can cause sickness. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sickness

• acute mountain sickness
• African sleeping sickness
• altitude sickness
• decompression sickness
• milk sickness
• morning sickness
• motion sickness
• mountain sickness
• radiation sickness
• serum sickness
• sickness benefit
• sleeping sickness
• travel sickness

Kids Definition

sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

: ill health : illness

2

: a specific disease : malady

3

: nausea sense 1

Medical Definition

sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

: the condition of being ill : ill health

2

: a specific disease

3

: nausea