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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In addition to his obesity, Bryan suffers from lymphedema, a chronic disease with no cure that results in the buildup of fluid in soft tissues and causes swelling in his left leg.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
Infants and children who are infected with hepatitis B are more likely to develop chronic disease, including about 90% of infants and 30% of children ages 1 to 5.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025
Alongside these minerals, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help counteract free radicals—harmful molecules linked to chronic diseases.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025
Coffee Regular coffee consumption may support brain health and lower the risk of chronic disease and even early death, thanks in part to its rich polyphenol content.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chronic disease
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Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
Infants and children who are infected with hepatitis B are more likely to develop chronic disease, including about 90% of infants and 30% of children ages 1 to 5.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025
Alongside these minerals, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help counteract free radicals—harmful molecules linked to chronic diseases.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 5 Dec. 2025
Coffee Regular coffee consumption may support brain health and lower the risk of chronic disease and even early death, thanks in part to its rich polyphenol content.
—Brian Mastroianni, Health, 5 Dec. 2025
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 13 Dec. 2025.
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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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