1
a
b
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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
The Twins got there by beating the San Francisco Giants 2-1 on Saturday night at Target Field, getting a strong performance from Joe Ryan — who dealt with a violent illness earlier this week.
—
Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025
His ultimate goal: save tens of millions of lives, especially those of women and children suffering from HIV, malaria and other deadly illnesses.
—Jennifer Earl, CBS News, 9 May 2025
Officials are warning of a high risk of heat illness, especially for the elderly, young children, people without air conditioning, and those working or exercising outdoors.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
The foundation still has numerous goals — eradicating polio, controlling other deadly diseases, such as malaria, and reducing malnutrition, which makes children more vulnerable to other illnesses.
—Thalia Beaty, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
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Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 11 May 2025
His ultimate goal: save tens of millions of lives, especially those of women and children suffering from HIV, malaria and other deadly illnesses.
—Jennifer Earl, CBS News, 9 May 2025
Officials are warning of a high risk of heat illness, especially for the elderly, young children, people without air conditioning, and those working or exercising outdoors.
—Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
The foundation still has numerous goals — eradicating polio, controlling other deadly diseases, such as malaria, and reducing malnutrition, which makes children more vulnerable to other illnesses.
—Thalia Beaty, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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