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
Mother cats may reject their kittens for several reasons, including illness and deformity.
—
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Ten of 12 initial samples from victims came back positive for malaria, suggesting that patients may have been suffering from multiple illnesses at once, Ghebreyesus said.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
The county’s health office is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the illness was caused by consuming raw milk.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Garlic also demonstrates significant antiviral activity against pathogens that cause common illnesses like respiratory infections and some types of influenza.6
5.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for illness 
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Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Ten of 12 initial samples from victims came back positive for malaria, suggesting that patients may have been suffering from multiple illnesses at once, Ghebreyesus said.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
The county’s health office is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine if the illness was caused by consuming raw milk.
—Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Garlic also demonstrates significant antiviral activity against pathogens that cause common illnesses like respiratory infections and some types of influenza.6
5.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
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 22 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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