illness

noun

ill·​ness ˈil-nəs How to pronounce illness (audio)
1
b
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
obsolete

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
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.
Samuel aspires to become an infectious disease physician-scientist and minority health advocate, researching illnesses that disproportionately affect Native Americans and other minority groups. Victor A. Lopez-Carmen, Md, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 Doctors have said his voice has been weakened by his illness. Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 23 Mar. 2025 According to the 41-year-old and his wife Jessica, their son Miller died after a sudden illness while on vacation. Jacob Lev, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025 Fall is when a lot of seasonal illnesses start going around. Elizabeth Medeiros, Health, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illness

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Time Traveler
The first known use of illness was circa 1500

Cite this Entry

“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

illness

noun
ill·​ness ˈil-nəs How to pronounce illness (audio)
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2

Medical Definition

illness

noun
ill·​ness ˈil-nəs How to pronounce illness (audio)
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind : sickness

More from Merriam-Webster on illness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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