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 of sickness

• illness

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

Manager Craig Stammen said Pivetta was affected by both elbow stiffness and sickness, and that the pitcher’s feedback Monday will determine if an MRI exam is needed. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, choking, especially on food, coins, and toys, is a top cause of sickness and death in children, particularly in kids 3 and younger. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

As a result, thousands of immigrants relying on the benefits now face the risk of hunger and sickness, experts say. —Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

Became waiflike, wearing sickness like face paint. —Courtney Crowder, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for sickness

• quickness
• thickness
• homesickness
• seasickness

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