chronic fatigue syndrome

noun

: a disorder of unknown cause that is characterized by persistent profound fatigue usually accompanied by other symptoms (such as headache and tender lymph nodes) unrelated to any preexisting medical condition

—abbreviation CFS

Examples of chronic fatigue syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pindar noted that in her experience those with chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID often experienced notable improvements. —Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025

Parker, for instance, is trying to see a specialist for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, a form of debilitating fatigue that is common with long COVID. —Rebecca Nagle, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025

Another condition called myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), which shares many similarities with long Covid, is thought to be triggered by infections with the Epstein-Barr, influenza and varicella-zoster viruses, among others. —Katie Camero, NBC News, 11 Mar. 2025

Also worried is Mariana Gracia, whose Army vet husband Agustin relies on the Veterans Administration to treat Gulf War Illness and chronic fatigue syndrome. —Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chronic fatigue syndrome

• acrosome
• aerodrome
• catacomb
• centrosome
• chromosome
• cytochrome
• hippodrome
• honeycomb
• liposome
• meerschaum
• metronome
• microtome

Medical Definition

chronic fatigue syndrome

noun

: a disorder of uncertain cause that is characterized by persistent profound fatigue usually accompanied by impairment in short-term memory or concentration, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, muscle or joint pain, and headache unrelated to any preexisting medical condition and that typically has an onset at about 30 years of age

—abbreviation CFS

called also myalgic encephalomyelitis