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
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Strength training and physical activity help maintain muscle mass, improve metabolism, increase energy and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
—Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
The practice of combining cold exposure and breathwork — known as the Wim Hof Method — has gained popularity as a wellness practice, with some research suggesting benefits for stress, energy and mental clarity, though evidence for treating chronic disease remains limited.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Every few years, American politics rediscovers chronic disease.
—Aaron E. Carroll, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026
So much chronic disease in this country can be avoided.
—Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
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Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
The practice of combining cold exposure and breathwork — known as the Wim Hof Method — has gained popularity as a wellness practice, with some research suggesting benefits for stress, energy and mental clarity, though evidence for treating chronic disease remains limited.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Every few years, American politics rediscovers chronic disease.
—Aaron E. Carroll, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026
So much chronic disease in this country can be avoided.
—Steve Metsch, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 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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