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
Her two-year-old son Alex — whose presence is always felt, but never seen — requires around-the-clock care for his chronic illnesses.
—
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024
The two embark on a whirlwind romance, but just as things start to work out for AJ, Kristen’s life begins falling apart, shattered by illness.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2024
In some cases, complications from measles can lead to more serious illnesses, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
—The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Below, in an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE, Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash shares her story of music, debilitating illness and the road back to performing.
—Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024
The retreat was rescheduled for Dec. 15, 2022, due to a board member's illness, the complaint said.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024
Pennsylvania health officials urge people in Montgomery County and surrounding areas to take action against severe infection and spread of the illness.
—Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
In rare cases, salmonella or its toxins can enter the bloodstream, causing serious illnesses, death or long-term conditions like arthritis, Kowalcyk said.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 18 Apr. 2024
Robert MacNeil, whose coverage of the Watergate scandal led to the first nightly newscast for PBS, died Friday in Manhattan after a long illness.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Apr. 2024
The two embark on a whirlwind romance, but just as things start to work out for AJ, Kristen’s life begins falling apart, shattered by illness.
—Jamie Lang, Variety, 23 Apr. 2024
In some cases, complications from measles can lead to more serious illnesses, including pneumonia and encephalitis.
—The Indianapolis Star, 22 Apr. 2024
Below, in an exclusive excerpt shared with PEOPLE, Grammy Award–winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash shares her story of music, debilitating illness and the road back to performing.
—Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 19 Apr. 2024
The retreat was rescheduled for Dec. 15, 2022, due to a board member's illness, the complaint said.
—Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024
Pennsylvania health officials urge people in Montgomery County and surrounding areas to take action against severe infection and spread of the illness.
—Julia Daye, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024
In rare cases, salmonella or its toxins can enter the bloodstream, causing serious illnesses, death or long-term conditions like arthritis, Kowalcyk said.
—Elizabeth Chuck, NBC News, 18 Apr. 2024
Robert MacNeil, whose coverage of the Watergate scandal led to the first nightly newscast for PBS, died Friday in Manhattan after a long illness.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'illness.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near illness
Cite this Entry
“Illness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illness. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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