1
a
b
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
Synonyms
Examples of illness in a Sentence
Her body was not able to defend itself against illness.
Hundreds of soldiers died from illness and hunger.
He showed no signs of illness.
Scientists have not yet found a cure for this illness.
cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses
She died at the age of 60 after a brief illness.
Recent Examples on the Web
Clark said the Naval Special Warfare Command reported 1,168 cases of acute gastrointestinal illnesses, such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, among Navy SEAL and Special Warfare Combat crewman candidates at the Coronado base from January 2019 to May 2023.
—
Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Nearly 8% of outpatient visits for respiratory illness during the week ending Feb. 8 were for flu-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025
The percent of doctor's visits for influenza-like illnesses (a standard metric for flu season) hit 7.8 percent this week, a high not seen since the 2009–2010 season amid the emergence of the H1N1 swine flu.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025
Specifically, other data could relay how many of the flu-like illnesses are caused by flu viruses — or which flu strain is infecting people.
—Amy Maxmen, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illness 
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Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
Nearly 8% of outpatient visits for respiratory illness during the week ending Feb. 8 were for flu-like illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
—Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025
The percent of doctor's visits for influenza-like illnesses (a standard metric for flu season) hit 7.8 percent this week, a high not seen since the 2009–2010 season amid the emergence of the H1N1 swine flu.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025
Specifically, other data could relay how many of the flu-like illnesses are caused by flu viruses — or which flu strain is infecting people.
—Amy Maxmen, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for illness
Dictionary Entries Near illness
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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