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

Federal health agencies now recognize obesity as a chronic disease shaped by genetics, environment, and food systems as much as individual behavior. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026

Notably, the cuts affected a number of programs focused on the causes and prevention of chronic diseases. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Psoriasis is a chronic disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing inflamed, scaly patches of skin. — Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Franciscan Health is again teaming up with the Indy Hunger Network to support healthier lifestyles through nutritious food access and chronic disease management education through the Produce Prescription Program. — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for chronic disease

• actuaries
• analyses
• anopheles
• antitheses
• apostrophes
• appendices
• catalyses
• distributees
• examinees
• hypotheses
• interviewees
• isosceles

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