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
As the notice explains, the alarm was raised after 40 environmental samples collected at the company’s processing facility tested positive for Salmonella, including seven different strains known to cause human illness.
—
Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
To reduce the risk of heat illnesses, the military generally suspends nonessential outdoor activities on extremely hot days.
—Ames Alexander, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
The health agency has logged 20 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships that met its threshold for public notification this year, 15 of which were caused by norovirus.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
When foods spend an extended period of time in the 40°F to 140°F range, there's a real risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for illness
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Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
To reduce the risk of heat illnesses, the military generally suspends nonessential outdoor activities on extremely hot days.
—Ames Alexander, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
The health agency has logged 20 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships that met its threshold for public notification this year, 15 of which were caused by norovirus.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 22 Oct. 2025
When foods spend an extended period of time in the 40°F to 140°F range, there's a real risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to foodborne illness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
illness
noun
ill·ness
ˈil-nəs 
1
: an unhealthy condition of body or mind
2
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