sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

a

: ill health : illness

b

: a disordered, weakened, or unsound condition

2

: a specific disease

3

: nausea, queasiness

Synonyms

• illness
• indisposition
• unhealthiness
• unsoundness

Examples of sickness in a Sentence

He died from an unknown sickness.

she was plagued by sickness most of her adult life

Recent Examples on the Web

The program will grant them access to insurance for sickness and maternity, work risks, disability and life, retirement, and for severance in advanced age and old age. —Fernanda González, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025

Outside, in the buttery December sunlight, Rowan and Amelia vowed to cherish each other always, in sickness and in health, in poverty and wealth. —Becca Andrews, Them, 13 Jan. 2025

Wilkos who served as head of security on The Jerry Springer Show said that Springer didn’t disclose his sickness at the time of his death. —Caroline Bell, StyleCaster, 8 Jan. 2025

Eberechi Eze has overcome sickness to be available to face Chelsea. —Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing sickness

• acute mountain sickness
• African sleeping sickness
• altitude sickness
• decompression sickness
• milk sickness
• morning sickness
• motion sickness
• mountain sickness
• radiation sickness
• serum sickness
• sickness benefit
• sleeping sickness
• travel sickness

Kids Definition

sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

: ill health : illness

2

: a specific disease : malady

3

: nausea sense 1

Medical Definition

sickness

noun

sick·​ness ˈsik-nəs 

1

: the condition of being ill : ill health

2

: a specific disease

3

: nausea