chronic fatigue syndrome

noun

: a disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by persistent profound fatigue usually accompanied by other symptoms (such as headache and tender lymph nodes) unrelated to any preexisting medical condition
abbreviation CFS

Examples of chronic fatigue syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pindar noted that in her experience those with chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID often experienced notable improvements. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025 Parker, for instance, is trying to see a specialist for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, a form of debilitating fatigue that is common with long COVID. Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025 Another condition called myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), which shares many similarities with long Covid, is thought to be triggered by infections with the Epstein-Barr, influenza and varicella-zoster viruses, among others. Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025 Also worried is Mariana Gracia, whose Army vet husband Agustin relies on the Veterans Administration to treat Gulf War Illness and chronic fatigue syndrome. Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic fatigue syndrome

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronic fatigue syndrome was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic fatigue syndrome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20fatigue%20syndrome. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

chronic fatigue syndrome

noun
: a disorder of uncertain cause that is characterized by persistent profound fatigue usually accompanied by impairment in short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle or joint pain, and headache unrelated to any preexisting medical condition and that typically has an onset at about 30 years of age
abbreviation CFS

called also myalgic encephalomyelitis

More from Merriam-Webster on chronic fatigue syndrome

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