chronic disease
noun
plural chronic diseases
: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration
… childhood obesity that too often leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.—
Akiba Solomon
Akiba SolomonMost oncologists are reluctant to use the word "cure," and tend to speak of cancer as a chronic disease. The goal of treatment is remission, a state in which the cancer can't be detected.—Sallie Tisdale
Sallie TisdaleMore than 2,200 local doctors had voluntarily provided free care to uninsured patients, including surgery, chemotherapy and chronic disease management.—The Dallas Morning News
The Dallas Morning NewsExamples of chronic disease in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That’s because the microbes in your gastrointestinal tract convert resistant starch into compounds that reduce inflammation, lower your risk of chronic diseases, strengthen your overall gut health and lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
—Anahad O’Connor, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
On the other hand, research on how strongly protein, red meat, saturated fat and dairy are linked with chronic disease risk is much less conclusive.
—Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Educational attainment is consistently associated with upward mobility, longer life expectancy, lower rates of chronic disease and better mental health.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Keep Up With Medical Appointments C3G is a chronic disease that requires regular follow-up care from your healthcare team.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chronic disease
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Anahad O’Connor, Washington Post, 3 Feb. 2026
On the other hand, research on how strongly protein, red meat, saturated fat and dairy are linked with chronic disease risk is much less conclusive.
—Michael I Goran, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026
Educational attainment is consistently associated with upward mobility, longer life expectancy, lower rates of chronic disease and better mental health.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Keep Up With Medical Appointments C3G is a chronic disease that requires regular follow-up care from your healthcare team.
—Carrie Madormo, Health, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for chronic disease
Cite this Entry
“Chronic disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20disease. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
chronic disease
noun
: a disease (such as asthma, coronary heart disease, or diabetes) that continues or occurs again and again for a long time : a medical condition of prolonged duration
Millions suffer from debilitating chronic disease caused by smoking. It is a major risk factor in cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis and emphysema …—Phil Gunby, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Phil Gunby, The Journal of the American Medical AssociationLove words? Need even more definitions?
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