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
Most 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
More than 2,200 local doctors had voluntarily provided free care to uninsured patients, including surgery, chemotherapy and chronic disease management.The Dallas Morning News

Examples of chronic disease in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drawbacks Newer, less common, strong Digestive issues if too much High in saturated fat, may spike LDL Summary Though its flavor profile may not appeal to everyone, olive oil coffee provides many benefits that promote heart health and fight chronic disease. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 May 2025 The questions guiding the project’s ongoing and planned research directly address the chronic diseases that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced as national priorities. Jean Wactawski-Wende, The Conversation, 2 May 2025 Medical professionals and scientists agree with Kennedy that more attention should be paid to chronic disease, but many take issue with his misinformation surrounding vaccines and other health matters. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 These nutrients help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals, reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, Rdn, Health, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chronic disease

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chronic disease was in 1662

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Cite this Entry

“Chronic disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chronic%20disease. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Medical 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
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