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
Diets rich in plant proteins are linked to less chronic disease.
—Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Lifting for longevity Strength training also offers protection against many of the most common chronic diseases of aging.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
Getting more vitamin E in your diet may help support your immune system and potentially protect against some chronic diseases.
—Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025
In 2023, about 93% of adults age 65 or older in the United States reported having at least one chronic disease, such as heart disease and diabetes.
—Gina Park, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for chronic disease
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Will Stone, NPR, 8 Oct. 2025
Lifting for longevity Strength training also offers protection against many of the most common chronic diseases of aging.
—Lauryn Higgins, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
Getting more vitamin E in your diet may help support your immune system and potentially protect against some chronic diseases.
—Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025
In 2023, about 93% of adults age 65 or older in the United States reported having at least one chronic disease, such as heart disease and diabetes.
—Gina Park, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2025.
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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